DENR disputes PRA on reclamation projects
Credit to Author: Romina Cabrera| Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — Fifteen reclamation projects in the National Capital Region (NCR) have been affected by President Marcos’ order to suspend reclamation in Manila Bay, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said yesterday.
This is contrary to the report of the Philippine Reclamation Authority, which said that there are 13 approved reclamation projects.
The DENR said the latest figures came from combined data from both the DENR and PRA, but did not explain the discrepancy.
The department said that out of the 22 projects that have been suspended, only three reclamation projects are currently being implemented.
Data from the DENR showed that there are 15 projects in NCR and seven projects located in Region 4-A.
President Marcos ordered the suspension of all 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay pending a review of their compliance with environmental regulations and their impacts.
Marcos noted that the shore along Roxas Boulevard could disappear due to the projects that were approved during the Duterte administration.
The DENR said that a scientific team, composed of a physical scientist, oceanographers, geologist, climate scientist and social scientist, would be formed to conduct a community impact assessment.
The US embassy earlier expressed concern that the Manila Bay reclamation projects have ties to the China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC), which was blacklisted by Washington due to its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea.
The embassy also said the company was cited by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank for engaging in “fraudulent” business practices.