DENR closes 5 establishments for Manila Bay rehab

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has shut down five businesses in Pasay City as they were reportedly found to discharge untreated wastewater into Manila Bay.

Together with DENR Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) issued close orders to four restaurants and an auto shop located at HK Sun Plaza along Macapagal Boulevard.

Zhi-Brothers Restaurant, Ocean Bay Restaurant, Da Rae Jung Korean Restaurant, Song Do Won Restaurant, and BHP1 Autoworks violated Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 2004, according to a report.

Environment Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units Concerns Benny Antiporda blamed the closed establishments for endangering the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

“No matter how much effort we give in cleaning the Manila Bay, nothing will happen if we allow these errant business owners to do what they are doing,” he said in a statement.

He called on other business owners to follow the environmental laws and policies. He added that the department is willing to provide assistance or advice to businesses in adhering with environmental rules.

“We are calling out the attention of business owners, not only around Manila Bay, but all over the country to check on their environmental compliance,” he said.