Fifteen years ago, the Supreme Court (SC) issued a directive to our government to eliminate all sources of pollution in Manila Bay. However, instead of complying with this order, the government has allowed massive pollution factories to establish themselves in the heart of Manila Bay. This is not only a blatant disregard for the highest court, but also a betrayal of our country.
These pollution factories refer to the numerous reclamation projects that are currently ongoing or in the process of being approved. The exact number of these projects is disputed, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) claiming 22, the Philippine Reclamation Authority stating 25, and the fishermen’s group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) asserting that there are no less than 30. These projects cover a combined area of over 4,000 hectares, scattered from Bulacan to Cavite, but with a concentration in the heart of Manila Bay.
The landmark Supreme Court decision in 2008, in the case of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority et al. v. Concerned Residents of Manila Bay, instructed 13 government agencies to clean up Manila Bay and restore its waters to a quality suitable for swimming and other recreational activities. This order, known as a “continuing mandamus,” outlined specific responsibilities and deadlines for these agencies and utility companies to achieve this objective. The DENR was designated as the primary agency responsible for implementation.
However, instead of fulfilling its role, the DENR has granted environmental clearance to 21 of the reclamation projects, according to Pamalakaya. It is important to note that these approvals may have been given during the current Duterte administration. Additionally, although President Marcos initially ordered a temporary halt to 22 projects, he has since allowed one project to proceed and has refrained from publicly naming the exempted project.
In 2011, I led a team of lawyers in filing an environmental case before the Supreme Court regarding the world-renowned Boracay island. The case involved a proposed 40-hectare reclamation project that would have threatened the natural currents shifting the famous white sands of Boracay. After presenting our arguments, the Supreme Court decided to stop the reclamation due to multiple violations of environmental laws.
In the case of Manila Bay, however, the government is allowing an alarming number of reclamation projects that further degrade and destroy the bay. These projects act as major sources of pollution and make Manila Bay unsightly. It is evident that these projects primarily benefit the wealthy, with no direct or indirect benefits for the poor.
Furthermore, it is concerning that each project seems to have been assessed independently of its collective impact on the environment. The DENR’s failure to examine the combined effect of the 20-30 reclamation projects is a clear abdication of its duty. This is particularly problematic as several Bulacan towns are already experiencing unprecedented flooding, with one reclamation project being blamed for exacerbating the issue.
Considering the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of tons of gravel and soil planned for dumping into Manila Bay through these reclamation projects, it appears that there is a secretive master plan to transform Metro Manila into the “Venice of Asia.” It is essential for the government to make this plan public so that the public can be aware of and voice their concerns. In fact, I am so concerned about the potential consequences that I am ready to invest in a boat at the earliest opportunity.
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