Some senators expressed belief that the ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay had contributed to the massive flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, particularly in Central Luzon.

Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. presides the Senate Committee on Public Works' hearing into the various proposals that seek to mitigate flooding. (Photo by Ali Vicoy/Manila Bulletin)

At the Senate Committee on Public Works’ hearing into the flooding woes that recently hit the Philippines, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, whose province in Bulacan suffered during the recent onslaught of two typhoons, himself said he is ready to resign if any official from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) can say that the reclamation projects in Manila Bay is not the reason for the flooding.

Villanueva said residents of Bulacan believe that the floods in their community have worsened since the start of the reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

But DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who was present during the Senate hearing, could not offer any answer, and said no department has really initiated a technical assessment on these projects.

“Technically…there’s nothing wrong with reclamation for as long as it will not impede the flow of the rivers going out of the bay because the bay is a very large body of water,” Bonoan told senators during the hearing on Wednesday, August 9.

“I want to tell you secretary…many of you’re here are from Bulacan…If just one of you can say that the floods didn’t become worse due to reclamation, I will resign,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva clarified he is not against any reclamation but is lamenting that the government apparently just gave its nod to the projects without any concrete assessment of its impact to the environment.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, also echoed the same belief the reclamation projects in Manila Bay had contributed to the massive flooding.

According to Villar, she believes Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga is “afraid” of the influential people who are insistent on pursuing the reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

“I’ve talked to Secretary Loyzaga about this eh…She’s afraid being a secretary.. but I told her no, don’t be afraid,” adding that she advised the DENR chief to do what is right.

Villar pointed out that over 21 environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) had been approved for reclamation, and the smallest of these is 300 hectares.

“Twenty-one times 300 hectares—that’s 7,000 to 8,000 hectares of Manila Bay,” she said.

For one, the Zapote River Drive in Las Piñas of which she is a proponent, had also experienced massive flooding.

According to Villar, the reclamation projects threaten to close the river’s flow to Manila Bay.

“I’m so lonely spending 12 years cleaning my river, only for reclamation projects to close it. Will this not cause flooding?” she pointed out.

Villar also said she is studying whether her environment committee should conduct a separate inquiry on these reclamation projects in Manila Bay, saying she lacks the support of her colleagues.

According to Villar, most of the senators do not really have an “anti-reclamation” stance “except me.”

But Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said he supports Villar’s plan, saying he believes “a lot of senators share the same sentiments.”

He pointed to Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who already filed a resolution seeking an inquiry on the matter. But the resolution has been referred to the Senate committee on housing and urban development.

Villanueva then committed to change the referral of Hontiveros’ resolution so that the Senate can conduct an in-depth hearing on the Manila Bay reclamation projects.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has already announced the suspension of all reclamation projects in Manila Bay, except for one, which is now under review.