An environmental group urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to issue an executive order to stop all Manila Bay reclamation projects to stop further flooding.
The Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE), a local campaign center for the environment, said that while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s process may temporarily halt the project, the President should also extend his support.
“We suggested that a cumulative assessment be made which the DENR has already begun by putting the projects on hold, but the President should bare his teeth by releasing an executive order,” Aldrein Silanga of Kalikasan PNE said in an interview.
Silanga emphasized the importance of regularly cleaning waterways so that damage near the Manila Bay and other reclamation project areas will not worsen.
Silanga also lambasted businessman Ramon Ang for his earlier statements claiming that the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) projects have nothing to do with the bay area flooding.
“The project may cause flooding if the channels in which the waters flow out are blocked by the reclamation materials,” Silanga said.
Reports by Kalikasan PNE have found that Mega Manila, Cavite, and Central Luzon will be the most affected by the flooding should the reclamation projects ensue.
The DENR meanwhile held a clean-up drive in the Tipas River in Taguig City with nearly 9,000 kilos of waste collected. Around 12,000 kilos of water hyacinths were also removed.
“The project aims to provide quality and life into the waters of Tipas River as well as to stop the blockage caused by water hyacinths which may lead to a rise in diseases caused by mosquitoes, flies, and rats,” the DENR said.