ANGELES CITY, Pampanga– Water consumers across the city are praising newly installed Mayor Jon Lazatin for suspending the collection of the Environmental Fee as his first official act upon assuming office on July 1.
Residents welcomed the move, saying the fee had long been a burden, especially with recurring complaints about the lack of visible service or benefit from the charge. “This shows the mayor is listening to us from day one,” said resident Liza Cruz.
The Environmental Fee, collected alongside monthly water bills by PrimeWater, had been the subject of mounting criticism in recent months. Lazatin ordered its suspension pending a review of the agreement between the city and the private utility.
Earlier, PrimeWater announced it would comply with the directive and stop collecting the fee. Mayor Lazatin, however, assured the public that any failure to follow the suspension order may result in sanctions.