The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Angeles City is currently reviewing and revising the controversial septage or environmental fee ordinance, which was suspended by the city government through an executive order issued by Mayor Jon Lazatin on July 1, 2025.
Vice Mayor Reveals Review Details
Vice Mayor Amos Rivera disclosed the review during a recent media forum at Swissotel Clark, dubbed KapiHann, hosted by the Pampanga Press Club and Hann Resorts and Casino. The official said the review will ensure transparency, strengthen public awareness, and protect the groundwater resources.
Rivera explained that the ordinance was originally designed to protect, preserve, and develop the aquifer. “But when we did a review, we felt that we need to temporarily suspend its implementation,” he said.
Proposed Amendments Align with Clean Water Act
The vice mayor added that the council is now finalizing proposed amendments to align with existing environmental policies, including provisions in the Clean Water Act. “The purpose of the suspension was to ensure that, if and when the ordinance is implemented, it will be done with transparency and with the understanding of our constituents,” Rivera said.
He emphasized that the proposed revisions seek to balance environmental protection with development. “Environmental protection and progress should work hand in hand,” he said.
Environmental Fee to Protect Groundwater
Rivera explained that the imposition of the environmental fee is intended to help protect Angeles City’s groundwater from contamination caused by improperly managed wastewater. He noted that Angeles City currently has no sewerage master treatment facility.
Under the proposed system, wastewater from septic tanks would be periodically collected by accredited desludging or siphoning service providers and transported to a facility before being discharged into rivers or streams in compliance with environmental standards.
Public Hearings and Water Summit Planned
To address water-related concerns, Rivera said the city government plans to conduct public hearings and organize a water summit that will bring together water providers operating in Angeles City. The proposed two-day summit aims to consolidate data from water companies, assess the city’s current water situation, and identify solutions to ensure a reliable and safe water supply for residents.
Background of the Ordinance
Ordinance No. 343, S-2014 initially established the water quality and septage management system, setting a fee based on water consumption. Ordinance No. 487 (2019) and No. 640 (2022) imposed stricter desludging requirements and a standard ₱5 per cubic meter septage fee. Ordinance No. 697 (2023) increased the fee to ₱10 per cubic meter for non-residential buildings and expanded regulations with minimum and maximum monthly charges.
Suspension Eases Financial Burden
Mayor Lazatin earlier said the suspension of the ordinance, which allowed the collection of environmental fees by water firms, was implemented to ease the financial burden on Angeleños. With the suspension, accredited service providers stopped siphoning operations and water utility firms suspended the collection of charges.
