DENR warns 1,857 establishments for polluting Manila Bay

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)has warned nearly 2,000 business establishments in Metro Manila for violations of environmental laws, which hinder the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

During a recent monitoring and saturation drive conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the DENR found that out of 4,043 establishments, 1,857 are operating without environmental compliance certificates while 1,894 do not have wastewater discharge permits.

Environment Undersecretary for field operations Juan Miguel Cuna said the DENR would issue notices of violations against establishments found to be neglectful under Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act.

Cuna said the erring establishments would be summoned during a conference either by the EMB National Capital Region or the Laguna Lake Development Authority to comply with the requirements and implement remedial measures.

The report noted that 3,623 establishments have access to a wastewater treatment facility. There are 2,306 establishments with septic tanks, 255 with sewage treatment plants and 104 with sequencing batch rectors.

The DENR said 575 establishments are connected to water concessionaires.

Acting Environment Secretary Jim Sampulna said the monitoring activity aims to fast-track the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Most of those inspected by DENR personnel were commercial businesses, restaurants, manufacturing establishments, gasoline stations and warehouses.