ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (left), ACT Teachers Party-list nominee Antonio Tinio (PPAB, Facebook)

The Makabayan bloc's ACT Teachers Party-list is prodding the House of Representatives to carry out a full-blown inquiry into the alleged destructive, Chinese-led dredging operations in Cagayan that took place under the previous Duterte administration.

“We fully support the demand of Pamalakaya for an immediate investigation into the environmental destruction and economic displacement caused by Chinese dredging operations in Cagayan,” senatorial candidate ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said.

Pamalakaya stands for Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas. The fishers' group issued the call following statements made by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro that the Chinese contractor's operations had already ceased in 2023.

“This is not a closed case simply because the operations have ended. The fisherfolk continue to suffer the consequences, and justice demands that those responsible—foreign companies and complicit government officials—be held accountable," said Rep. Castro, a House deputy minority leader.

“Hindi sapat ang sinasabi ng Palasyo na tumigil na ang operasyon noong 2023. Dapat alamin kung gaano kalawak ang pinsala sa kalikasan at kabuhayan ng mamamalakaya, at dapat managot ang mga kumpanyang Tsino na sangkot,” she added.

(The Palace's claim that operations ceased in 2023 is not enough. The extent of the damage to the environment and the livelihoods of fishermen must be determined, and the Chinese companies involved should be held accountable.)

Pamalakaya earlier criticized the lack of government action and transparency regarding the dredging operations, which they say were falsely labeled as “desiltation projects” but in reality facilitated the large-scale extraction of sand and minerals, damaging marine ecosystems and reducing fish catch for local fisherfolk.

Meanwhile, former congressman and ACT Teachers Party-list nominee Antonio Tinio echoed Castro’s call. He says that this issue is emblematic of the broader problem of foreign plunder and environmental destruction under neoliberal economic policies.

“This is a clear example of how foreign corporations are allowed to exploit our natural resources at the expense of Filipino livelihoods and sovereignty,” Tinio said.

“There must be full disclosure of all agreements made between the national government and these Chinese firms. We call on Congress to summon former and current officials who facilitated these projects.”

“Ang tunay na hustisya ay hindi lang pagtigil ng operasyong mapanira, kundi ang pagpaparusa sa mga responsable at pagpapanumbalik sa kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda,” Tinio added.

(True justice is not only about halting destructive operations but also punishing those responsible and restoring the livelihoods of fishermen.)

Rep. Castro and Tinio also called on the relevant House Committees to initiate public hearings in affected communities and ensure the participation of fisherfolk, environmental scientists, and concerned civil society groups.

“The people of Cagayan deserve answers. They deserve justice. This is a test for Congress—will it act in defense of poor fisherfolk, or will it serve foreign interests?” Rep. Castro concluded.