ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Consumers are demanding a total refund following Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II’s suspension of the Environmental/Septage Fee collected by water utilities in the city.
Mayor Lazatin issued Executive Order 2025-001, which took effect on July 1, 2025, directing Soliman Septic Tank Disposal and other private water utilities to stop charging the controversial fee.
“All Private Water Utilities and/or Water Districts are ordered to cease and desist from collecting the Environmental Fee/Septage Fee,” the EO stated.
The fee, which residents say has long been a financial burden with unclear benefits, has sparked outrage across the city. Now, affected consumers are pushing for a full refund of all previously collected charges.