LLDA issues 5 cease and desist orders over Manila Bay pollution

The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) on Tuesday issued cease and desist orders to five more establishments for allegedly dumping untreated sewage into Manila Bay.

GMA News' Maki Pulido reported on GMA 7 news program "24 Oras" that authorities posted the closure order at a branch of fast-food chain Jollibee along Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City.

The restaurant's management had already temporarily closed the establishment as its sewerage treatment facility was repaired and improved.

The fecal coliform level of the waste water from the said branch was 160,000 most probable number (mpn), far exceeding the standard level of 200 mpn.

"Our team is rushing the repair... Jollibee remains committed to support the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) in its efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay," Jollibee said in a statement.

On the other hand, the management of Max's Restaurant along Orosa Street in Ermita, Manila appealed to the LLDA not to immediately implement the closure order as it would affect their operations.

"Kung ipapasara din ngayon po 'yung sinasabi niyo syempre magkakaroon din po ng hamper 'yun dun sa operation kaya hindi namin siya mai-aallow na maipasara niyo na agad 'yun," the restaurant's manager explained.

The LLDA officals, however, proceeded to enforce the order as the fecal coliform level of the wastewater from the establishment was also at 160,000 mpn.

"Tuloy pa rin ang pag-implement natin whether or not hindi nila ito tanggapin or tanggapin nila. Sinelyuhan namin yung source water pollution, 'yung mga faucet nila, 'yung drainage system, lavatory," LLDA Assistant General Manager Generoso Dungo emphasized.

Other food establishments that received a closure order were Lamer Catering in Ermita, Manila; Nihon Bashitei Japanese Food in Malate; and Heng Feng Kitchenette in Pasay City.

The representative of Heng Feng Kitchenette claimed that they had designated personnel who maintained their water drainage system.

The two other establishments had yet to comment on the matter as of posting time.

So far, 16 business establishments had been issued cease and desist orders. Only one of these had been given a temporary lifting order after the business submitted documents that proved remedial measures would prevent wastewater from flowing into the Manila Bay.

Starting next week, the Department of Public Works and Highways will start dredging the Manila Bay for trash.

Three sites for dredging had been identified—the Navotas River, Estero de Vitas in Tondo, and the stretch of of Manila Bay from the Manila Yacht Club Breakwater to the US Embassy. — Dona Magsino/DVM, GMA News