Manila Bay wastewater violators flagged

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued cease and desist orders (CDOs) to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Philippine Navy for continuously releasing wastewater into Manila Bay.

The CDO served through the DENR’s Laguna Lake Development Authority noted that the LLDA recently conducted inspection at the premises of the CCP on Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, and found that two outfalls being managed by the CCP have wastewater samples.

At the same time, CCP Outfall 4 also showed wastewater samples. Although within the CCP compound, it is owned and managed by the DPWH.

The LLDA also conducted inspection at the premises of the Philippine Navy located along Roxas Boulevard in Malate, Manila. Results of the agency’s monitoring showed wastewater samples in four of the five outfalls in the area.

The outfalls being managed by the three agencies showed high fecal coliform level.

The DPWH, CCP and Philippine Navy were earlier ordered to seal the outfall that discharges the wastewater.

Appropriate penalties and legal action based on the Clean Water Act and LLDA Memorandum Circular will be taken against the agencies if they fail to act on the matter.