Environmental group Nilad is calling for the termination of the plan to fill the stretch of Manila Baywalk with artificial white sand while an online protest has been initiated against the controversial project.
“Stop muna tayo tapos investigate natin, kasi maraming katanungan. Siempre number one, nasaan ‘yung study ninyo? (We should stop then investigate because there are many questions. Number one, where is your study?),” Living Laudato campaigner Rodne Galicha said.
Oceana Philippines also submitted a position paper to agencies assigned by the Supreme Court (SC) to rehabilitate Manila Bay, stating the effects of the placement of sand such as aquatic pollution, marine habitat degradation, loss of a globally important water bird site, loss of sardine spawning grounds, and loss of mangroves and wetland areas.
In case the project pushes through, the groups want to hold accountable DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu, DA Secretary William Dar and BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona, Senate and House of Representatives in the exercise of their oversight powers and functions, Ombudsman, Mayor Francisco Damogoso of City of Manila and the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Manila, and Chair Rene Escalante of the National Historical Commission.
“Klaro ‘yung executive order na inisyu ni President Duterte…Walang beautification doon (The executive order issued by President Duterte is clear. There is no beautification included),” Oceana Philippines VP Gloria Ramos claimed.
The group believes the enhancement project violates five laws, including Presidential Proclamation No. 2146, The Fisheries Code (RA 8550) as amended by RA 10654, The Clean Water Act (RA 9275), The National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (RA 10066), and The Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160).
UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea Dir. Jay Batongbacal explained the issue might reach the Supreme Court with the filing of Writ of Kalikasan petition if the DENR remains adamant on the matter.
“Because dolomite appears to be hazardous materials that can cause respiratory diseases and even cancer, just because of that, there’s already a possible cause of action under the special rule,” Batongbacal stated.
The DENR stood by its plan and will push through with the controversial project.
“They can do whatever they want to do, that’s their freedom. Basically, what I’m trying to say, it is illogical for us to be branded as killer of the biodiversity. What we’re doing right now is we’re trying to do something which is good for the environment,” DENR USec. Benny Antiporda claimed.
– Report from Cleizl Pardilla
