Magalang Mayor Malu Paras-Lacson has appealed to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members to suspend the collection of septage fees in their town.
The septage fees, are included in the water bills of Magalang residents and business owners provided under the Septage Management Ordinance, which emanated from a national directive, the local officials said.
“I appeal to this council to consider a temporary suspension of the septage fee collection as we revisit its implementation strategy—ensuring the people are fully informed, infrastructures are in place, and solutions are equitable,” Lacson said during her privileged speech at the inaugural session of the municipal council on Thursday, July 3.
As a mayor, Lacson said she has “general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services, and activities of the municipal government but that does not include unilateral suspension of an SB-passed ordinance."
“Only the SB has the legislative authority to enact, amend, suspend, or repeal such ordinances. And today, I asks you to use it in the service of fairness,” she said.
The Magalang town council is led by Vice Mayor Eller Pecson; Councilors June Tanglao, Koko Gonzales, JD Cruz, Nelson Dizon, Noel Sunga, Nikko Gonzales, Prince Baluyut, and Junnel Malonzo; Liga ng mga Barangay President June Marimla; and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Brandon Aquino.