LLDA chief to file raps vs Tsinoy fishpen operator

MANILA, Philippines - Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) general manager Rodrigo Cabrera today said he will sue a businessman who accused him of extorting money for the operation of his fishpens.

"I'm considering to file pertinent cases upon the advice of my lawyers," Cabrera said at a weekly media forum in Greenhills, San Juan City this morning when asked about the allegations by businessman Charlie Tan.

Cabrera also branded Tan as an illegal fishpen operator since he has failed to get necessary permits from the municipality of Jala-jala in Rizal.

"He's been operating there since 2009 without getting the necessary permits from the local government. He has to secure first the clearances from the ground before he gets an LLDA permit," he added.

As this developed, the LLDA chief said he is considering putting on preventive suspension two of his people who were allegedly caught meeting with Tan to ask for a substantial amount of money in exchange for the permit to operate.

He said he has already formed an investigative committee to interrogate Engr. Donata Rivera Jr., LLDA division chief; and Jacqueline Dabu, Lake Management Division head, regarding the charges against them.

The investigative team will come up with its findings within 72 hours, Cabrera said.

Cabrera said the controversy began when Jala-jala mayor Ely Pillas asked the help of LLDA to stop Tan's operation of fishpens the lakeshore in Brgy. Sipsipan.

"So I acted on that basis. He (Tan) is now distorting the facts and accusing me of malfeasance," Cabrera said.

For his part, Pillas said Tan has been dumping chicken manure in the lake to attract the fish.

"Sinasabuyan nya yung lake ng ipot ng manok kaya namamaho from seven to eight days tapos mag trawling kaya nahuhuli kahit maliit na isda," Pillas said.

Due to Tan's operations, Pillas said small fishpen operators and fishermen have been put out of business.

"Yung mga anak nga nila pinatigil na ng pag aaral kasi wala na silang kita sa pamamalakaya," Pillas said.