Manila Bay rehab: LLDA backs closure of four more establishments

The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) has recommended the temporary closure of at least four private businesses for allegedly contributing to the pollution of Manila Bay.

These recommendations, based on the LLDA's saturation activities in the Manila Bay Area and the results of laboratory analysis of the wastewater samples taken, were contained in a two-page letter from LLDA Environmental Regulatory Department head Emiterio Hernandez.

The LLDA is pushing for the issuance of cease and desist orders against the following:

• Billion Building/Phil. Billion Real Estate Development Corporation;
• HK Sun Plaza;
• Tramway Bayview Buffet Restaurant; and
• D Circle Hotel.

The agency also called for the issuance of ex parte cease and desist orders against these establishments:

• Le Mirage de Malate;
• Smart Land Resources; and
• Malate Bayview mansion.

An ex-parte order means the decision was made by regulatory bodies without getting information from the respondent or those accused of committing the irregularity.

The LLDA also sought notices of violation for water pollution against:

• Sogo Hotel-Quirino;
• the Government Service Insurance System building, where the Senate of the Philippines is renting office space;
• Peak Motors Phils., Inc.;
• Makchang Korean Restaurant;
• 2Blue Realty Corporation;
• Cebuana Lhuillier Building;
• Robinsons Land Corporation; and
• Rizal Park Hotel.

In addition, the following entities were found to be in violation of LLDA law for failing to secure LLDA clearance and discharge permits:

• Billion Building/Phil. Billion Real Estate Development Corporation;
• Smart Land Resources;
• Malate Bayview mansion;
• Makchang Korean Restaurant;
• 2 Blue Realty Corporation;
• Cebuana Lhuiller Building; and
• Summit Ice, Inc.

The agency had earlier ordered the closure of several establishments, including Aristocrat Restaurant, Gloria Maris Restaurant, Universe Disco, and establishments on The Esplanade (San Miguel By The Bay).

However, these were still found to be operating even with the closure orders.

The Manila Bay rehabilitation project is initially worth P47 billion. — BM, GMA News