The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary, Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, has established a team to conduct a comprehensive review of all ongoing reclamation activities, including the controversial involvement of a Chinese company in a Manila Bay Project. The public will be kept informed of any updates, and the panel will seek the assistance of foreign experts during the review process. The US Embassy, located along Roxas Boulevard facing Manila Bay, has expressed two major concerns regarding the ongoing reclamation near their premises. Firstly, they are worried about the potential long-term and irreversible negative impacts on the environment, as well as the resilience to natural hazards in Manila and nearby areas, and the impact on commerce. Secondly, the project has a connection to the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), a company that has been blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce for assisting the Chinese military in building and militarizing artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea. According to reports, CCCC has also been cited by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for engaging in fraudulent business practices in 2009. The company has partnered with the Waterfront Manila Premier Development Inc. (MWPDI), owned by businessman William Gatchalian and his sons, Senator Sherwin and DSWD Secretary Rex. The mixed-use development project, covering 318 hectares and worth P34.3 billion, was approved by former Mayor Isko Moreno. It will stretch from west of the Quirino Grandstand to the breakwater of the Manila South Harbor and will include a casino entertainment complex, a central business district, as well as health and education hubs. William Gatchalian clarified that their engineering, procurement, and construction partner is China First Highway Engineering Corporation (CFHEC), which is not blacklisted by the World Bank. He stated that CCCC is a separate entity and not involved in their reclamation project. Furthermore, he emphasized that their project is privately funded by Waterfront Manila and will not cost the government anything. In fact, once the project is completed, the national government will have a 51 percent stake in the reclaimed land. However, there seems to be confusion regarding the ownership percentage, as the Manila LGU also claims to have a 51 percent stake in all reclamation projects in the city. Investigative reports have revealed that CCCC is the parent company of CFHEC. Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, along with Senator Risa Hontiveros, called on the Marcos administration to prohibit CCCC from conducting business in the country. They argued that CCC has violated environmental laws and aided China in seizing Philippine island territories in the Kalayaan Island Group. On the other hand, Senator Chiz Escudero stated that the US has no right to demand the blacklisting of the Chinese firm in the reclamation project. Joseph John Literal, the Assistant General Manager for Reclamation and Regulation at the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), confirmed that CCCC is engaged in lawful business in the country and has not received any official blacklisting. However, there have been allegations from foreign news outlets regarding their involvement in the reclamation of the West Philippine Sea and the construction of artificial islands. Sherwin Gatchalian defended the Manila Bay reclamation project undertaken by his family, stating that all the necessary processes were followed. He acknowledged his family’s connection to the project but stated that he does not involve himself in the business. He claimed that all invited stakeholders, including the LGU, non-government organizations, businesses, and embassies, were consulted throughout the process. He believes that questioning the legitimacy of the project at this stage would be unfair and that the process should be respected. However, critics argue that his actions and statements are contradictory and raise concerns about conflicts of interest. They believe that he is trying to distance himself from the project while simultaneously defending its legitimacy, even though it may have negative consequences for the environment and contradicts his stance on gambling activities. They find it hard to believe that he would be completely impartial, considering the significant benefits his family stands to gain from the venture. They argue that invoking “respect for the process” appears to be a way to divert attention and avoid scrutiny, rather than a genuine commitment to due diligence. The issuance of permits by the PRA and DENR does not guarantee that environmental concerns were adequately considered and that undue influence was not involved. Senator Gatchalian’s defense is seen as a calculated effort to protect his family’s interests while neglecting the potential environmental impact and the well-being of the Filipino people. Critics argue that elected representatives should prioritize public welfare over personal gains and take decisive action to safeguard the environment and maintain the integrity of public service. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people.
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