Magalang Mayor Malu Paras-Lacson has formally urged the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) to suspend the collection of septage fees being charged to residents and business owners through their water bills.

The fees are mandated under the town’s Septage Management Ordinance, which aligns with a national directive, local officials explained.

In her privileged speech during the SB’s inaugural session on July 3, Lacson asked the council to consider a temporary halt in fee collection while reviewing the policy’s rollout.

“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,” she said.

Mayor Lacson acknowledged that while she oversees programs and services of the municipal government, she does not have the authority to unilaterally suspend ordinances passed by the SB.

“Only the Sangguniang Bayan has the legislative authority to enact, amend, suspend, or repeal such ordinances. And today, I ask you to use it in the service of fairness,” she stressed.

She emphasized that the request was not politically motivated, but rooted in addressing the need for better communication, infrastructure readiness, and wider public consultation.

“Let us jointly consider the suspension or strategic phasing of the septage fee collection—not out of political pressure, but out of a sincere desire to give our people breathing space,” she added.