Makabayan wants investigation into remediation projects after metro floods

Billy Begas

Members of the Makabayan bloc jointly filed a resolution to study the impact of land reclamation projects on flood-prone areas in Metro Manila and nearby cities and municipalities.

Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro jointly filed House Resolution 1814 following the severe flooding of July 24 last year.

“It is essential to examine the impact of these rehabilitation projects on flood-prone areas to ensure the protection of communities and the environment and to ensure compliance with legal obligations related to environmental conservation and disaster risk reduction,” the resolution said.

The resolution states that the land reclamation projects not only violate the Supreme Court’s 2008 Mandamus Writ for the Rehabilitation of Manila Bay, but also threaten the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and poor urban communities.

“We cannot prioritize profit-driven development at the expense of the safety and well-being of our people,” Manuel said.

Manuel added that the recent floods also exposed the inadequacy of current flood control measures despite billions of pesos being allocated for flood control projects.