‘Alyansa’ Senate bets call for multi-pronged approach to address pollution in Laguna Bay
SANTA ROSA CITY, LAGUNA — Senatorial candidates from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas said on Saturday that the worsening pollution in Laguna Lake could only be addressed through a multi-pronged approach that will involve legislative review, enforcement, and local accountability.
For reelectionist Senator and Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino said there is a need to revisit the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s (LLDA) mandate, saying its powers may not be enough to address the pollution issues.
“Siguro po it’s about time that we review the mandate of the Laguna Lake Development Authority. Siguro ‘yong enforcement, ‘yong minsan kulang kasi kine-claim nila na kulang sila sa mandato lalong lalo na ‘yong mga seepage na nanggagaling sa Metro Manila,” Tolentino said.
He added that it is equally important to identify not just the pollutants but the sources of pollutants as well. “So we review that law, ‘yong LLDA creation as well, as we look into the problems given by not just the pollutants but the polluters kung saan galing ito.”
Meanwhile, ACT-CIS Partylist Representative Erwin Tulfo said local government units should assist residents in building houses adjacent to the walls along the lake, on top of better policing by the LLDA.
“Pangalawa po siguro kailangan din tulungan ng local government units ang mga pag-construct po ng mga kabahayan d’yan sa tabi sa mga dagat at sa mga lake kailangan pong bantanyan ‘yan,” he said.
He highlighted the LGUs’ crucial role in the prevention of the lake’s deterioration, saying they should also exercise restraint in approving applications for building permits.
“If you build a house there dapat ang tanong po d’yan ng engineering saan pupunta d’yan saan dadaloy? Mayroon ka bang sewerage? Saan pupunta ‘yong dumi mo ibabagsak mo lang ba sa Laguna Lake eh d’yan manggagaling ang mga isda natin,” he said.
Tulfo warned that the lake’s ecosystem will continue to decline without intervention.
“Kailangan ho nating bantayan kasi kung hindi po wala na hong pag-asa yan. Isang araw po baka mawawala na po ng mga isda d’yan … talagang magiging polluted na po ‘yan, sayang naman,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Interior Secretary and Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos cited his experience in managing Pasig River pollution issues, proposing to identify problems and assign accountability.
“So we must have a checklist. Ano ba ‘yung sitwasyon ngayon? Ano ang problema at ano ang dapat gawin at sinong ahensya ang gumagawa?” Abalos said.
He also stressed the importance of holding agencies accountable.
“Kung hindi niya ginagawa, anong dapat pang gawin? Dapat bang palakasan ito o dapat talaga siyang medyo pagalitan o gawan ng aksyon?” the multi-awarded former local chief executive said.
Abalos pointed out how Mandaluyong implemented a sewage connection program despite the lengthy process involved, citing a similar issue he countered when he mayor of Mandaluyong City.
“For one, ang pollutants po sa amin ay nanggagaling din doon sa mga factories, nanggagaling din po doon sa mga nakatira. Talagang walang lalabasan. Sumunod, doon po kasi sa amin may bayaran kami ng tubig, dapat lahat ng sewage nakakonekta sa kanila bago ilabas sa Pasig river. Mahabang proseso po ito pero tyinaga po namin ito,” Abalos shared.
The Alyansa slate includes Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.
