CA says MWSS, Maynilad, Manila Water should pay fine for ‘water pollution’

MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Appeals has compelled two private water concessionaires and their regulator to pay a fine of at least P30 million for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act.

In a decision dated October 6, 011, the appellate court dismissed the petition for review filed by Manila Water and Maynilad, as well as their regulator, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. This case was filed against them by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources before the Pollution Adjudication Board in 2009.

The DENR had said the three entities failed to install and maintain wastewater-treatment facilities within five years after the Clean Water Act took effect on May 2004 as required by law.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Nov 9, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the controlling owner of water concessionaire Maynilad, said they received a copy of the court’s decision on November 4.

MPIC told the exchange that Maynilad will be filing a motion for reconsideration on or before Nov. 19. – Move.PH