Environmental NGO SEEDS PH and Biñan City residents on Monday alleged that ongoing reclamation activities along the shoreline of Laguna Lake has caused flooding in two barangays.
SEEDS PH and the residents alleged that since 2019, the local government unit (LGU) of Biñan City, engaged in reclamation activities along the shoreline of Laguna Lake without the necessary clearances from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
They said the lack of proper clearance from the LLDA and ECC indicates a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and the well-being of the community.
These actions have resulted in severe flooding, lasting months, and have caused significant health issues among residents, they said. They claimed that the reclamation activities have been conducted under the guise of “backfilling” for alleged flood control projects.
The LLDA has requested the cessation of reclamation activities until proper assessments can be conducted but the residents alleged the reclamation continues, a violation of R.A. No. 4850 and other relevant laws.
SEEDS PH and the Biñan residents have asked the Office of the Ombudsman to put a stop to the environmentally destructive reclamation being done by the local government along the shorelines of Laguna Lake.
“Your urgent resolution is badly needed because the reclamation continues and has clogged the floodwaters that are supposed to exit via Biñan River and Ilog Mariano.
Two barangays in Biñan are still inundated due to the rains brought by the typhoons last year,” SEEDS PH said in its appeal to Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires.
“It has been eight months since this case was filed and the dire effects on the environment and the surrounding communities are worsening by the day.” SEEDS PH asked the Ombudsman to take action and issue a preventive suspension against the local officials “to prevent them from influencing the ongoing investigation and to ensure that justice is served for the residents of Biñan City.”