MANILA, Philippines – The P18.7-billion Laguna Lake rehabilitation project will spare Laguna and Metro Manila from massive flooding similar to what the country experienced during the killer typhoon “Ondoy” last year, according to Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito.
In a media forum, Ejercito pointed out that residents of barangays Cuyab, San Roque and Landayan in San Pedro and barangays Dela Paz and Macaban in Biñan are likely to suffer the same fate as did Ondoy victims due to massive siltation of Laguna Lake if no remedial action is immediately undertaken.
“The towns of Biñan and San Pedro will serve as catch basin since the lake may not be able to contain the flood waters. Lives will be lost if the National Government will not immediately act now,” Ejercito said, as he defended the rehabilitation project to be undertaken on the Laguna Lake.
He also dispelled claims by some sectors that the supply contract with Belgium-based Baggerweken Decloedt En Zoon N.V. (BDC) violated the government’s Procurement Law, otherwise known as R.A. 9184 which requires public bidding for the dredging project. He said the project is aboveboard and covered by an official development assistance (ODA) from the Belgium government.
Ejercito said even Justice Secretary Leila de Lima attested in her Aug. 18 legal opinion on the regularity in the supply contract entered into by the government with BDC through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
De Lima had ruled that the project entered into by the past Arroyo administration could not be considered midnight deals since it was covered by ODA and considered the undertaking as an executive agreement.
Supporters of the project under the Kilusang Lawa Kalikasan (KLK) have petitioned President Aquino to implement the rehabilitation of Laguna Lake since it would ensure the growth of open fisheries and fish cage culture in the province and open up navigational channels for ferry system.
Ejercito hinted that there are some groups who are trying to delay the project. He said he has the full support of all the mayors in Laguna for the dredging project.
“Instead of delaying the project we should all work together and make sure the project will be worth every cent. The project will not only benefit the province of Laguna, but even Metro Manila as well,” he pointed out.