Photo credit: Senate PH

Senator Cynthia A. Villar, head of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, isn’t holding back when it comes to her concerns over large-scale reclamation projects planned along Manila Bay. With 635 hectares on the Las Piñas and Parañaque side of the bay on the table, Villar warns that these projects could come at a steep price—one that’s far beyond financial cost.

According to Villar, the potential impact on water flow alone is troubling. The proposed reclamation could seriously block major waterways—namely, the Parañaque, Las Piñas, Zapote, and Molino rivers. And with sea levels rising due to climate change, she says the risk of flooding is all but guaranteed. "This could lead to disastrous flooding," Villar emphasized, pointing out how this would affect everyone from nearby residents to fisherfolk who rely on the bay for their livelihood.

She’s especially concerned about the impact on the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. As a legislated protected area, the wetland is not only an environmental treasure but also a critical fish breeding ground, helping to sustain seafood supplies across the southern National Capital Region, CaMaNaVa area, and Bulacan. Losing this could mean a significant blow to the local ecosystem and food sources.

And then there’s the political angle. Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent suspension of Manila Bay reclamation projects, Villar is disturbed by the persistence of some parties pushing the plan forward. "It’s telling," she noted, suggesting that these actions reveal where certain candidates stand on environmental preservation. "My stance remains that in dealing with reclamation projects, authorities must ensure that the chosen course of action is the most environmentally secure and resilient rather than just the most profitable," she said.

Villar is calling for a full, updated environmental study and public consultations before any further steps are taken. She believes it’s crucial to assess the cumulative impact of all planned reclamation projects in line with the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Masterplan, as well as the Supreme Court’s mandate to restore and protect the bay.

As the conversation around these projects heats up, Villar’s message is clear: protecting Manila Bay shouldn’t take a backseat to profit. With climate change and environmental degradation on the rise, she’s urging everyone—from local authorities to the public—to make choices that prioritize the planet over short-term gains.