Duterte on Manila Bay reclamation: Not in my time

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte said yesterday he is not inclined to approve proposed Manila Bay reclamation projects as he emphasized the need to protect the environment and the public.

 “If it’s an investment to infuse more money into the Philippine economy, it’s OK. But reclaiming 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay is mind-boggling. There might be some offices and residences,” Duterte said in an interview over radio station dzMM.  

“I am not ready to grant it. Not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people safeguarded,” he added. 

Duterte said an audit should be conducted to determine whether the reclamation area could absorb waste from the residences and offices that would occupy it. 

He noted that buildings should be connected to a water treatment facility. 

The proposed Manila Bay reclamation involves 25 projects covering 10,000 hectares from Navotas City to Cavite. 

Four projects have been given notices to proceed by the Philippine Reclamation Authority, including the Navotas coastal bay and the Horizon Manila 418-hectare reclamation.