MANILA, Philippines — Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña has called for an investigation to determine if the surge of reclamation developments in Manila Bay is directly linked to the severe flooding affecting Metro Manila and neighboring areas.
Cendaña raised the issue over the weekend during plenary debates on the proposed budget of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) under the ₱7.2-trillion 2027 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
”I cannot overemphasize yung fear ng mga kababayan natin sa lumalalang pagbaha na nararanasan natin ngayon. Maaaring patikim pa lang itong nangyayari sa atin,” Cendaña said during plenary proceedings.
”At alam natin na isa sa mga tinitignan ng ating mga kababayan ay yung pagkarami-raming reclamation projects na nangyayari sa Manila Bay,” he added.
Addressing PRA officials in attendance, the lawmaker emphasized the urgency of evaluating how these coastal modifications impact surrounding communities.
”Kailangan nating suriin ang kaugnayan ng mga reclamation projects sa mga lumalalang pagbaha sa Metro Manila at mga karatig na probinsya,” Cendaña stated.
While questioning the PRA budget sponsor, Cendaña highlighted widespread public concern that extensive landfill activities along the bay may be obstructing natural water drainage.
He noted that these developments are widely suspected of causing floodwaters to linger for days or weeks following heavy rainfall.
The legislator urged the PRA to prevent further worsening of the region’s flood situation and stressed that lawmakers and regulators must take concrete steps to address public anxiety surrounding coastal land development.
”We need a comprehensive approach to flood mitigation and management. Hindi dapat inaaprubahan ang mga reclamation projects na walang maayos na impact assessment sa flooding sa mga komunidad at walang proper drainage,” Cendaña concluded.