Some residents of Baseco compound and Tondo, along with environmental and fisherfolk groups, marched to Manila City Hall on Monday morning to voice their opposition to the reclamation plan in Manila Bay.
Protesters claimed that around 100,000 residents are at risk of losing their homes and jobs with the different reclamation projects which will cover an estimated 1,342 hectares of Manila Bay.
“Bogus ang kaunlaran na sinasabi ng pamahalaan dahil sa ilalim ng reclamation program nito, libo-libong pamilya ang mapapalayas,” said Alexander Rosales, spokesperson of Manila Urban Poor Network.
“Lumalabas ngayon na parte ng reklamasyon ang ginagawang rehabilitasyon sa Manila Bay para lalong akitin ang mga investor at mga negosyante para mamuhunan sa itatayong proyekto na iilan lamang ang makikinabang,” he added.
Aside from this, they cited the program’s negative impacts on the environment such as severe flooding.
And so, Nilad Environmental Network urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to declare Manila Bay as a reclamation-free zone and be transparent in its rehabilitation master plan.
“We expressed alarm over the real reasons of rehabilitation of Manila Bay. DENR should show its seriousness in restoring rich and historical life of Manila Bay by issuing a suspension on all reclamation plans that will destroy its biodiversity,” the group said.
For his part, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said that the government’s reclamation plan will benefit the capital city as it is seen to provide at least 500,000 jobs and boost income from Real Property Tax (RPT).
But he denied claims that residents, specifically in Baseco, will be relocated because of it.
“Of course not…It is already reclaimed for the housing of the poor. I will not allow (it to be taken away). It is owned by the city government,” Estrada said.
The local chief executive initially invited the protesters for a dialogue.
However, they declined since only two were allowed to face him.
They proceeded to Malacanang to deliver their letter to President Duterte and manifesto signed by 1,500 residents stating their opposition to the reclamation projects in Manila Bay. (Ria Fernandez)
