Isko Moreno on Manila Bay reclamation: It’s not my priority

MANILA, Philippines — The reclamation of Manila Bay will not be a priority for incoming Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, or more popularly known as Isko Moreno.

Speaking at the weekly press forum on Wednesday, Moreno said he remains firm on his stand on the matter.

“It’s not my priority; I am very consistent with that statement. Dumating kayo (reclamation project proponents), thank you. For me to initiate [the reclamation]? No way,” he said.

“Pag pasok niyo rito (If you come here), we’ll check if you comply with the requirements of [the] law, especially the requirements on environmental protection,” he added.

There are 22 pending reclamation applications proposing to cover 20,000 hectares of the 190,000-hectare Manila Bay area.

READ: Gov’t processing 22 Manila Bay reclamation projects

Moreno’s predecessor, outgoing Manila mayor and former President Joseph Estrada, earlier signed a memorandum of agreement with the Pasay City government to cooperate and extend assistance to the proposed reclamation projects of three private groups in Manila Bay.

READ: Manila, Pasay support 3 Manila Bay reclamation projects

Support for Manila Bay rehab

Moreno expressed gratitude to the national government for stepping up to rehabilitate Manila Bay. He said he wants the Manila City government to take part in the process as well.

“Maraming salamat kay [Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy] Cimatu, [Metropolital Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danilo] Lim, maraming salamat sa pagmamalasakit niyo President [Rodrigo] Duterte sa Maynila dahil kung di pa kayo nag-[issue] ng order, specific order, malamang ho wala ho walamg gumalaw diyan sa Manila Bay,” he said.

(Thank you, DENR’s Roy Cimatu, MMDA’s Lim. Thank you also, President Duterte for ordering the cleanup of the Manila Bay.)

“Basta po ipinababatid namin, MMDA, DENR…pwede bang makisuyo sa inyo? Pwede kaming sumali? Tulong naman kami. Tutal siyudad naman namin to eh,” he added.

(We would like to relay to MMDA, DENR to include us in the project. We would like to help. This is our city.) (Editor: Eden Estopace)