SC chief on Manila Bay rehab: ‘It’s already clean’

MANILA, Philippines – Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said on Wednesday that he was pleased with the water he saw at Manila Bay, which he said was already clean.

“We came here to observe and determine how far they have gone with the observation, obedience to the continuing mandamus,” Peralta said.

The Chief Justice, Chair of the Manila Bay Advisory Committee (MBAC), commented on the ongoing Manila Bay rehabilitation project after meeting with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu and other agencies.

The meeting, which was initiated by Peralta, was attended by MBAC members namely SC associate justices Rodil Zalameda, Mario Lopez, Edgardo delos Santos, and Ricardo Rosario, Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez and other government stakeholders.

“What we can say about Manila Bay, it’s already clean. All the waters that go to the bay from the esteros are already clean. So in other words, the purpose of the continuing mandamus is having clean water and if you will ask me if I am satisfied, I am satisfied because the waters are clean,” he said.

Among the measures discussed during the meeting include the removal of garbage in the river systems, esteros (drainage canals), and water quality improvement, among others. It mentioned that DENR has also hired estero rangers who are specifically tasked to clean up esteros and disseminate information regarding solid waste management.

Also discussed during the meeting was the Project Kubeta Ko, or the strategic putting up of clean public toilets in nearby areas.

DENR mentioned the use of dolomite in its rehabilitation efforts, saying that many resorts in the country and abroad use it to add aesthetics to their surroundings.

When asked about the dolomite, Peralta refused to comment. He said a case for contempt against the DENR officials is pending before the high court and he is the justice-in-charge of the case.

He said the case would be deliberated on Nov. 3. [ac]