DENR clarifies: All Manila Bay reclamation projects are suspended

MANILA, Philippines — All 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay are suspended, said Environment Chief Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on Thursday.

Yulo-Loyzaga’s statement follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement that all but one reclamation project was suspended. Loyzaga said that upon clarification with the President, all projects are under review, meaning that all are suspended.

“The declaration really is all of these projects are suspended at this point, so all are under review. So we have to really take our time, really with those that are ongoing because they are already impacting the areas, and we will graduate to those who have not yet begun,” said Loyzaga in a Palace briefing.

“As soon as the President speaks, I think that will be in effect,” she added.

The suspension took effect upon the President’s declaration, said Loyzaga.

Asked how long these projects would be suspended, Loyzaga said that it depends on the results of the cumulative impact assessment.

“The scientific team that we are engaging will be organized by this month, as I have shared with you. And we intend to provide a program of work once they have all met together,” she said.

Loyzaga said that the process would not be simple, as it involves many disciplines, including physical scientists, oceanographers, geologists, social scientists, and more.

“They’re all suspended; all reclamation [projects] are under review. Only one proceeded because it had already been reviewed. There are many problems. We saw many [of the projects] which are not being conducted properly,” Marcos said in a previous situation briefing in Bulacan.

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