Gatchalian: Process observed in Waterfront reclamation project

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has maintained that processes were observed involving the 318-hectare reclamation project of the Waterfront Manila Premier Development Inc. (MWPDI) led by the senator’s family.

“I don’t deny that father is connected to the project. I know for a fact that reclamation projects here behind the Sofitel Philippine Plaza… all went through the process,” Gatchalian added during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum on Wednesday. “I don’t deny that (it’s) my dad’s project, but I don’t meddle with the business.”

While he was not part of the projects, the senator said he knew that all invited stakeholders, including the local government unit,
 non-government organizations, businesses and embassies were invited and consulted.

“It went through a thorough process. PRA (Philippine Reclamation Authority) and the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) issued permits. They have gone through the process. It would be unfair if they question it now,” said noted. “Let’s respect the process.”

Last year, the PRA issued a permit allowing MWPDI to start reclamation of 318 hectares of foreshore and offshore areas in Manila Bay upon full payment of the initial regulatory fee.

The planned project, located in the south of Manila South Harbor, will include a central business district as well as health, entertainment and education hubs. This covers the P34.3-billion reclamation and horizontal development of 318 hectares along Manila Bay.

Lawful business

Amid concerns raised by the United States embassy, the PRA yesterday said that China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC) is engaged in lawful business in the country.

“We have not received any categorical blacklisting against this corporation. These are all allegations from news outside the Philippines, that they are involved in the reclamation of the WPS (West Philippine Sea), the artificial islands, so their permits were processed,” PRA Assistant General Manager for reclamation and regulation Joseph John Literal said over GMA News.

“So we assume that they are doing business here in a legal manner or they are lawfully engaged in business right now,” he added.

The US embassy earlier said it has already brought to the attention of the Philippine government its concerns over the ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay and CCCC.

In 2020, the US blacklisted China state-owned enterprises responsible for and central to the militarization and coercion in the South China Sea.

The CCCC was also reportedly cited by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank for engaging in fraudulent business practices.

Dare

For its part, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Thursday dared the US embassy in Manila to oppose all reclamation projects in Manila Bay, including those that affect the livelihood of fishermen, if it is concerned about the marine environment.

“For us fishers, we’ll appreciate the concern only when the US embassy completely opposes the reclamation projects in Cavite province that gravely threaten the marine biodiversity and livelihood of tens of thousands of fisherfolk,” Pamalakaya chairperson Fernando Hicap said.

Pamalakaya said fishing structures such as mussel farms and stationary fish traps were already wiped out in Cavite and Navotas to pave the way for the reclamation projects. — Emmanuel Tupas