Several companies in regions 7, 9 and the National Capital Region, including SM Megamall were ordered by the Pollution Adjudication board (PAB) chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to pay fines amounting to Php 9.7 million for violating the provisions of the Philippines Clean Water Act or Republic Act No. 9275.

Issued last January 30, 2008, the PAB imposed to SM Megamall buildings A and B fines totaling to Php 5.1 million, as well as other establishment such as Euro Swiss Foods Inc. with Php 1.8 million, White House Oil Mill and Soap factory with Php 1.06 million, Rhikio Southeast Asia Inc., with Php 1.03 million and Profoods International with Php 810,000.

According to PAB Presiding Officer, DENR Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio Jr., these companies were found to exceed DENR effluent standards.

"These companies were ordered to pay the corresponding fines imposed by th DENR. Failure to do so would mean that no Formal Lifting Order to terminate the case will be issued to them," he said.

Usec. Ignacio also said that before imposing the above fines on said firms, several technical conferences were held to give the companies opportunity to explain their sides. he added that the computed penalties were in line with the law and in consideration of the motions and other pleadings that were heard by the PAB.

Meanwhile, the PAB likewise issued a Formal Lifting Order to the Pacific Cement Philippines, Inc. (PACEMCO), one of the country's biggest cement manufacturers. the PAB imposed to PACEMCO fines amounding to Php 160,000 which were paid by the company in six equal monthly installment starting June 2007.

Based on PAB Resolution 1-C, series of 1997, the PAB may issue a resolution formally lifting a Cease and Desist Order and terminating a case, provided that the respondent has fully paid the fines imposed by the PAB.