The Supreme Court has ordered Maynilad Water Services, Manila Water Co. and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to pay P1.85 billion in fines for violating the Philippine Clean Water Act.
In a statement, the high court affirmed a seven-year-old decision by the Court of Appeals which imposed steep fines on the two water concessionaires, saying they failed to establish sewerage systems and sewage treatment facilities as required under the law.
Since the violations date back to May 2009, the fines have snowballed to P921.5 million each for both concessionaires.
The SC directed MWSS and the two water concessionaires to settle the fine within 15 days from receipt of the order.
They shall be fined the initial amount of P322,102.00 per day of delay.