LLDA orders closure of 2 firms engaged in illegal reclamation in Taguig

MANILA, Philippines – The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) on Thursday, June 14, ordered the closure of two construction companies for illegal reclamation and garbage dumping activities on shore land in Taguig City. 

In a statement, the LLDA said General Manager Jaime Medina served the cease and desist orders to the following: 

• IPM Construction and Development Corporation, which has offices along Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City
• Level Up Construction and Development Corporation, with offices in Barangay Calzada, Taguig City

“These illegal reclamation and backfilling activities have already resulted in the depletion of the carrying capacity of the lake, and because of these continuous defiance the original contour of the Laguna Lake and the natural elevation of the subject leased area, which is below 12.50 meters reglementary elevation, has increased tremendously and expanding rigorously towards the lake without any approval from the LLDA,” Medina said.  

Citing Section 4 of Republic Act 4850, which created the LLDA, the agency said it has “the exclusive jurisdiction to issue new permit for the use of lake waters for any projects or activities in or affecting the said lake.” 

The statement also cited the law’s implementing rules and regulations, which states “other activities in all titled and untitled lands below elevation 12.50 meters that will pose pollution and cause ecological disturbance to the lake are strictly prohibited within the shoreland area.”  

The LLDA said it had support from the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, and the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources when it served the cease-and-desist order to the two companies. – Rappler.com