Cancel Manila Bay reclamation projects

Green groups cite adverse findings on environmental, safety impacts

- By JEL SANTOS

Environmental groups on Saturday, May 3, called for the immediate cancellation of all reclamation projects in Manila Bay following the release of the Phase 1 of the government-commissioned Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA), which flagged major environmental and public safety risks.

The CIA, commissioned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), found that reclamation activities could lead to severe flooding, biodiversity loss, declining fish stocks, and public health hazards.

Oceana acting vice president lawyer Rose-Liza Eisma-Osorio said the findings leave no room for delay or compromise.

"Given the overwhelming evidence, the DENR should immediately cancel all Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) and the permits issued by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) to these destructive projects, both proposed and ongoing," she said in a statement.

"The most logical step is for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to stop all reclamation projects, not only in Metro Manila but in different parts of the country to avoid the devastating impacts on the environment and the coastal communities." Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) campaign officer Bernie Larin also questioned the sequence of government approvals.