Manila LGU complies as DENR suspends reclamation projects in Manila Bay
The Manila local government said on Friday, Aug. 11, that it will comply with the suspension order for all reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan confirmed on Thursday evening that they have received the information from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), which states that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will suspend all reclamation activities in Manila Bay pursuant to the directive of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr.
She said that the city government respects the decision of the President.
All the reclamation projects in Manila Bay were suspended except for one which the President did not specify.
There are 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay approved by the PRA under the Duterte administration.
"The city will abide by the suspension order just as much as the city has followed all other requirements and processes of PRA in the proposals for the reclamation projects,” the city government said.
The city government added that none of the reclamation projects have started so no upcoming ones will be affected.
Marcos Jr. issued his directive during a situation briefing in Malolos City, Bulacan last Monday, Aug. 7.
"The declaration is really that all of these projects are suspended at this point. So all are under review, we have to take our time, really beginning with those that are ongoing," said DENR Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on Thursday.
Prior to the suspension order, various environmental groups called on DENR to stop the reclamation projects that could potentially have a negative long-term impact on the environment.