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Advocates Philippines
Senator Escudero Calls For Accountability In Manila Bay Reclamation Projects
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Chiz Escudero emphasized the importance of holding responsible parties accountable and ensuring evidence-based decision-making in relation to the contentious Manila Bay Reclamation Projects. Escudero urged the government to take appropriate legal actions against any public officials or individuals found to be involved in wrongdoing, provided there is substantial evidence against them.
Expressing his support for President Marcos' recent move to halt several ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, except for one, Escudero cited concerns regarding implementation issues that have been reported. The senator's stance marks a shift from his earlier cautionary remarks to Malacañang regarding potential blockades based solely on the United States government's environmental concerns.
Escudero clarified that he does not oppose a thorough review of the projects, as long as the process remains grounded in concrete evidence and avoids arbitrary decisions. He stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation that assesses the possibility of corruption or irregularities in the granting of environmental permits. If such misconduct is uncovered and is amendable, Escudero insisted that corrective measures should be taken, considering the substantial investments already made.
Addressing the broader implications of the reclamation projects, Escudero underscored the importance of prioritizing environmental safeguards in light of the challenges posed by climate change. He also emphasized the necessity of ensuring the safety and convenience of citizens residing in areas that might be impacted by the projects.
In his concluding remarks, Escudero emphasized the significance of accountability in government actions, asserting that if any wrongdoings are identified, appropriate charges should be filed against the responsible officials and individuals. This, he believes, is vital to deter future occurrences of similar misconduct.
The Manila Bay Reclamation Projects comprise a series of 24 planned reclamation initiatives aimed at creating new land for both commercial and residential development. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), these projects collectively span a vast 9,000 hectares of sea area.
This area is notably larger than the combined landmass of several prominent cities, including Manila, Makati, Pasay, San Juan, and Pateros. The ongoing discourse surrounding the projects has brought attention to the intersection of urban development, environmental concerns, and responsible governance.
Expressing his support for President Marcos' recent move to halt several ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, except for one, Escudero cited concerns regarding implementation issues that have been reported. The senator's stance marks a shift from his earlier cautionary remarks to Malacañang regarding potential blockades based solely on the United States government's environmental concerns.
Escudero clarified that he does not oppose a thorough review of the projects, as long as the process remains grounded in concrete evidence and avoids arbitrary decisions. He stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation that assesses the possibility of corruption or irregularities in the granting of environmental permits. If such misconduct is uncovered and is amendable, Escudero insisted that corrective measures should be taken, considering the substantial investments already made.
Addressing the broader implications of the reclamation projects, Escudero underscored the importance of prioritizing environmental safeguards in light of the challenges posed by climate change. He also emphasized the necessity of ensuring the safety and convenience of citizens residing in areas that might be impacted by the projects.
In his concluding remarks, Escudero emphasized the significance of accountability in government actions, asserting that if any wrongdoings are identified, appropriate charges should be filed against the responsible officials and individuals. This, he believes, is vital to deter future occurrences of similar misconduct.
The Manila Bay Reclamation Projects comprise a series of 24 planned reclamation initiatives aimed at creating new land for both commercial and residential development. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), these projects collectively span a vast 9,000 hectares of sea area.
This area is notably larger than the combined landmass of several prominent cities, including Manila, Makati, Pasay, San Juan, and Pateros. The ongoing discourse surrounding the projects has brought attention to the intersection of urban development, environmental concerns, and responsible governance.
Aug 10, 2023
