Penalty for water pollution hiked

MANILA, Philippines — The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) has increased the penalty imposed on companies found polluting Laguna de Bay from P10,000 to P11,000 daily.

In Board Resolution 643 dated Oct. 17, 2023, the LLDA cited BR 404 signed in 2011, which adopted the fines and penalties imposed under Section 28 of Republic Act (RA) 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

The LLDA noted that RA 4850, as amended, exclusively empowers the agency through board resolutions to effectively carry out its mandate.

RA 4850 created and prescribed the powers and mandates of the LLDA

The LLDA board said that in compliance with the provisions of RA 4850, the board adopted the increase in the daily fine of 10 percent or equal to P11,000.

“To harmonize the increase, a retroactive effect may be imposed on violations committed from June 17, 2011 to October 2023,” the LLDA said.