Vice Mayor Amos Rivera said the Sangguniang Panlungsod is strengthening transparency while prioritizing the review of the city’s controversial septage or environmental fee ordinance to ensure better protection of Angeles City’s water resources.

Speaking during the July edition of KapiHann the monthly media forum of the Pampanga Press Club in partnership with Hann Resorts and staged at Swissôtel Clark, Vice Mayor Rivera said the city council is finalizing amendments to the ordinance, which was suspended through an executive order issued by Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II on July 1, 2025.

Rivera explained that the ordinance was originally crafted to protect, preserve, and develop the city’s aquifer, but the council found the need to temporarily halt its implementation to allow for further review.

He said the proposed revisions will align the measure with existing environmental policies, including the Clean Water Act, while ensuring transparency, greater public awareness, and broader understanding among residents before it is enforced.

“The purpose of the suspension was to ensure that, if and when the ordinance is implemented, it will be done with transparency and with the understanding of our constituents,” Rivera said.

He added that the amendments aim to strike a balance between environmental protection and the city’s continued development, with groundwater conservation remaining a key priority.

Apart from the ordinance review, Rivera announced plans to make the Sangguniang Panlungsod more accessible to the public by live streaming regular sessions and committee hearings.

The city council is also preparing to launch a digital library that will allow residents to access council documents online, as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and greater public participation in local governance.

Rivera was joined by Angeles City Councilor Atty. Jeselle Vega-Dayrit during the KapiHann.