Salceda upbeat over impending resumption of Pasay City reclamation projects; here's why
At A Glance
- Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda "enthusiastically welcomed" on Tuesday morning, Nov. 28 the impending resumption of the Pasay City government-led reclamation projects in Manila Bay, as ordered by Malacañang.
Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (Rep. Salceda's office)
Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda "enthusiastically welcomed" on Tuesday morning, Nov. 28 the impending resumption of the Pasay City government-led reclamation projects in Manila Bay, as ordered by Malacañang.
"I enthusiastically welcome President Marcos’s decision to allow the resumption of the Pasay City-led reclamation projects known as Pasay 265, with Pasay Harbor Corporation and Pasay 360, with SM Smart City Infrastructure and Development Corporation," Salceda said in a statement.
"We are thankful that President Marcos saw the work of the Committee on Ways and Means in emphasizing the revenue and economic implications of keeping the projects suspended," said Salceda, the panel chairman.
The Bicolano recalled the key points that were brought up during the previous committee hearing last Nov. 23.
"As we emphasized during the hearings, Pasay City is in fact a very strong case for responsible reclamation. Historical flooding maps show that the existing Pasay reclamation projects have in fact provided flood protection.
"This is as opposed to areas without a reclamation project fronting their shore, which have experienced more flooding than areas with a reclamation project," Salceda explained.
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"Both projects combined, based on our estimates, could yield as much as P563 billion in real estate assets for the government," he added.
Salceda also emphasized that 50 percent of Philippine Reclamation Authority income, under Republic Act (RA) 7279, would be earmarked for housing. "Revenues from these projects could fund President Marcos’ ambitious housing program," he said.
Marcos ordered a halt to all reclamation projects in the Manila Bay last August pending the results of a cumulative impact assessment (CIA) study.