House eyes probe into Manila Bay reclamation’s role in flooding

A swift congressional probe into the Manila Bay reclamation projects is being eyed to ascertain whether they are the culprit behind the worsening widespread flooding in Metro Manila, as made evident by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, that has submerged several communities in the area and nearby provinces. 

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio on Tuesday suggested that the large-scale reclamation projects have destroyed natural coastal defenses and disrupted the environment, resulting in aggravated floods in the metro and adjacent areas.

“This affects the poor, teachers, and students who sacrifice every day to go to school and work,” Tinio lamented. “We cannot allow this system to continue where the profits of a few are prioritized over the safety and livelihood of the many.”

The Manila Bay reclamation projects have been suspended since August 2023 pursuant to President Marcos Jr.’s order to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to first assess the environmental and social impact of the initiatives. 

Only two of the 22 have so far resumed operations after being found compliant with requirements.

According to the DENR, the Manila Bay reclamation projects will worsen flood severity in Metro Manila, citing a study by the University of the Philippines Marine Research Institute and the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation.

The study revealed that this could be primarily because many of the projects are not properly coordinated with the flood management plans by local government units concerned, possibly leading to an increased risk of flooding.

Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, or AGHAM, also flagged that these reclamation projects fundamentally upset natural ecosystems that have served as flood buffers for generations. 

“We cannot allow the destruction of our coastlines and the livelihoods of our fisherfolk and urban poor so that more casinos, malls, and condos can be built on reclaimed land to benefit big business and foreign investors. This investigation is long overdue. The people deserve answers and concrete action,” Tinio asserted.

The lawmaker also emphasized that these reclamation projects blatantly disregard the Supreme Court’s 2008 Mandamus ruling to rehabilitate Manila Bay. 

Earlier, economist and former lawmaker Joey Salceda, who led a similar investigation in the previous Congress, projected a P432 billion revenue loss over the next five years if the government continues to suspend the projects. 

He had argued that the ongoing suspension of Manila Bay's projects could have far-reaching financial consequences, claiming that these initiatives could attract land sales of staggering P23 trillion, citing the Philippine Reclamation Authority’s analysis.