DENR to take over demolitions in Laguna Lake

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is poised to take over the demolition of fish pens in Laguna Lake by next month.

This, after Secretary Lito Atienza expressed his frustration with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), lamenting that it is “giving all kinds of alibis” that delay the dismantling of fish pens and other illegal structures in the lake.

On the observance of the United Nations’ World Water Day, Atienza stressed the urgency of clearing bodies of water of pollution and obstructions so as to revive them.

Atienza said though that he is still giving the LLDA a chance to perform its duty, despite his repeated warnings since last year.

The LLDA, however, said it would resume the massive demolition of illegal structures in Laguna Lake as soon as the Supreme Court (SC) decides with finality on the petition of fish pen and fish cage owners.

The LLDA hopes that the SC will dismiss the petition filed by the Federation of Fishpen and Fishcage Operators of Laguna de Bay Inc.

Nevertheless, Atienza insisted that the court has already spoken and has upheld the demolition of fish pens and fish cages in Laguna Lake.

The Court of Appeals previously affirmed LLDA’s authority to demolish all illegal fish pens and fish cages, including those that are declared delinquent in paying appropriate fees for surface water use.

The LLDA said 400 federation members own most of these structures.