LLDA can no longer issue ECCs

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza has finally recalled the authority of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to issue environment compliance certificates (ECCs) and certificates of non-coverage (CNCs) in the Laguna de Bay region.

In DENR Administrative Order No. 2008-11, Atienza withdrew DAO No. 2004-61 issued by former DENR Secretary Michael Defensor, which delegated to the LLDA general manager the authority to grant or deny the issuance of ECCs and CNCs for projects located in environmentally critical areas within Laguna Lake.

DAO No. 2008-11 came months after Atienza had expressed his intention to reform and reorganize the LLDA, including the recall of its powers to issue certain permits.

The new directive, which Atienza issued on Tuesday, transferred the authority to issue ECCs and CNCs from the LLDA to the regional offices of the Environmental Management Bureau. 

Atienza designated Juan Miguel Cuna to supervise and examine the issuance of ECCs and CNCs, instructing him to “cut any red tape, end all inefficiencies, and ensure the smooth flow of ECC (and CNC) issuances.” – Katherine Adraneda, Marianne Go