Manila gov’t, Erap, criticized for ‘publicity’ clean-up drive in Manila Bay

MANILA, Philippines — Several netizens have criticized the local government of Manila and Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada for the clean-up drive in Manila Bay which turned out to be for “publicity” only.

The clean-up drive allegedly initiated by the local government of Manila, was criticized after a video of an ABS-CBN news report circulated online. The report showed that trashes were scattered in Manila Bay before the clean-up drive for picture purposes.

In the said video, the reporter even asked whether the staff present during the clean-up drive were serious about throwing trashes in the water before conducting the supposed environmental activity.

“Cleanup po iyan. Pupulutin po ulit para lang may photo,” a staff member said during the interview.

The video shared by several netizens became viral and earned criticisms.

Katawa yung clean-up drive sa Manila bay. ikinalat yung basura sa dagat tapos lilinisin ulit. What an.....

— Vicente (@vincentbrns) July 22, 2017

One word for Erap.. "DISGUSTING"
Your clean up drive publicity is so cheap. pic.twitter.com/9X1HiQrmKs

— mons†erGoddie (@MonsterGodfrey) July 22, 2017

Can we talk sbout how messed up Estrada and the others are for polluting Manila Bay just for their Clean-up Drive project????

— beyoncé (@krisdaps) July 22, 2017

Nakakataba ng utak yung "clean-up drive" na ginawa nila. Huwag nyong tularan, guys.

— Rain Narzabal (@MissNarzabal) July 22, 2017

Triggered talaga ako dun sa issue about sa clean up drive ni M*yor *r*p.

— WINNERBOO WAS A FOOL (@ynakichi) July 22, 2017

Asked if he is aware of the directive to throw waste in Manila Bay for publicity photo, Estrada did not directly answered but said the clean-up event was for publicity.

“For publicity only, but we are serious in cleaning Manila Bay,” Estrada said in the televised report.

According to lawyer Sol Arboladura, director of Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau, the clean-up drive was not initiated by the Manila local government unit but a hotel nearby Manila Bay. She added the activity will be done monthly.

“This is spearheaded not by the city but by Rizal Park hotel in cooperation with some government agencies such as the city of Manila,” Arboladura said in the same report.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources opposed the local government’s move to throw garbage in Manila Bay and said it is punishable by law. 

Due to the issue on clean-up activity, Manila Bay became one of the trending topics on Twitter. — Rosette Adel