Escudero urges gov’t to sue officials if reclamation projects found anomalous 

FILE PHOTO: Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. SENATE PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Escudero said Wednesday that the government should seek accountability from erring public officials if a review of reclamation projects finds irregularity and corruption in the ventures.

In a statement, Escudero emphasized that reclamation projects should be safe and not have adverse impacts on the environment.

He said he supports the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend ongoing reclamation enterprises in Manila Bay after receiving reports of problems in their implementation.

He also clarified that he is not opposed to a review of the projects as he only cautioned Malacañang against blocking them solely on the basis of the United States government’s concern over “long-term environmental impact.”

READ: US Embassy: Manila Bay reclamation projects harm environment, commerce

He stressed that a review is in order “as long as it is evidence-based, and not arbitrary.”

“If the investigation eventually finds corruption or irregularity in the granting of the environmental permits, they should rectify it if it can still be rectified taking into account the huge investments involved,” Escudero pointed out.

“Make sure that it will not have any adverse impacts on our environment, given climate change, as well as the safety and convenience of our people in potentially affected areas,” he added.

“Lastly, if any will be canceled or rectified, appropriate charges [should] be filed against erring officials and individuals in order to exact accountability so that others will not follow their lead,” Escudero continued.

READ: Suspend reclamation, DENR urged

President Marcos has ordered the suspension of all ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay except for one. It is still unclear which project was not discontinued.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also welcomed Marcos’ move but asserted that it should not stop there.

“[T]he government should not approve reclamation projects by China state-owned companies anymore. Certainly not now. I am urging the government to reject all China-funded reclamation projects in the Philippines,” the opposition senator said in a statement.

READ: DENR studies Manila Bay reclamation’s effect on quake evacuation plan

“China Communications Construction Co., like its home country China, has committed many violations against the Philippines. From building artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea to now reclaiming land in Metro Manila, China is destroying Philippine territory left, right, and center,” she added.

Hontiveros also reiterated that reclamation will not only destroy marine habitats but also harm people.

Senators JV Ejercito and Cynthia Villar were likewise elated over the decision of President Marcos. Villar said  among the ill-effects of reclamation is massive flooding.

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