President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allowed a real estate developer to proceed with a reclamation project in Manila Bay after practically going down on his knees for special consideration, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile has revealed.
On his television program Saturday (August 19), Enrile said the President is firm about halting all reclamation projects in Manila Bay except the one he allowed to proceed.
“Ang alam ko mayroong isang nagre-reclaim ng lupa diyan sa Manila Bay, alam ko ito dahil nirekomenda namin kay Presidente na huwag nang payagan. Eh halos lumuhod sa Presidente dahil malaki ang utang sa bangko,” the 99-year-old veteran abogado and politiko shared.
“Pinagbigyan ng presidente, ‘yong natapos mo okay na pero ‘yong mga susunod dahil ‘yong kanyang reclamation is 250 hectares yata, so hanggang doon siya. ‘Yong mga iba na hindi pa nag-umpisa, wala na ‘yon,” he added.
Enrile did not mention the developer who was allowed to proceed with the reclamation project, but said many businessmen are also seeking Marcos’ approval to proceed.
“Ang daming pressure ng mga mayayaman sa kanya,” he said.
Earlier this month, Marcos ordered an indefinite suspension of the 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay after the United States embassy aired its concern over the impact of the project undertaken by “Plastics King” William Gatchalian, the father of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, and its Chinese contractor.
Enrile said Marcos is concerned about the environmental impact of the reclamation projects, over fears that it would worsen flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“‘Yong pupuntahan ng ma-disperse na tubig sa Manila Bay, backward it will backflow sa mga Pasig River, Angat River, Meycauayan River, kung ano-anong river diyan. Lahat iyan magiging flooded kapag pinayagan mong lahat iyang reclamation sa Manila Bay,” he explained.
