The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday confirmed that the 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay are temporarily suspended while the reviews are ongoing.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said that no project has been exempted from the suspension.
“Upon clarification with the President [Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.] on the suspension, all are under review,” she said.
Loyzaga was pertaining to Marcos’ prior announcement that all ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay have been suspended, except for one project.
“All of these projects are under review. We have to take our time, really, beginning with those that are ongoing, because they are, in fact, already impacting the areas. And then, we will graduate to those that are in fact, still not yet begun,” she said.
The DENR Secretary said the suspension was effective immediately.
She noted that the exact duration of the suspension order has not yet been determined as the scientific team is set to convene for the conduct of the Community Impact Assessment on the 22 reclamation projects.
“We intend to provide a program of work, once they have all met together. Hindi lang po ito simple. Community Impact Assessment involves drivers; it involves feedback and it involves many different disciplines,” Loyzaga added.
According to the DENR Secretary, the scientific team is comprised of physical scientists, oceanographers, geologists, climate scientists, and social scientists.
