In August, the Supreme Court, voting 14-0, ordered water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. to pay nearly P1 billion each in fines for violation of the Clean Water Act. The case stemmed from a Department of Environment and Natural Resources decision in 2009 to fine the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Maynilad and Manila Water for violating Section 8 of Republic Act No. 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act. Also, the Supreme Court said the total amount of the fines should earn an interest of 6 percent yearly from finality and until full settlement of the fines. Earlier this month, the two water firms, in separate motions, asked the Supreme Court to reverse its ruling ordering them to pay the fines.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer October 09, 2019 21:33 UTC