07/09/2023 (Philippines) - A major development has arisen in the ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has announced the suspension of all but one of the bay's reclamation efforts. This move comes in the wake of heightened U.S. concerns regarding the participation of a blacklisted Chinese firm and potential negative environmental ramifications.
Last week, the U.S. expressed unease over certain Manila Bay projects situated close to its embassy. The undertakings in question had associations with China Communications Construction Company, a corporation previously blacklisted by Washington for its role in the construction and militarization of artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea.
While President Marcos Jnr didn’t specify which among the 13 approved projects were halted, he noted that issues arose during their implementation. "All are suspended. The reclamation projects are under review except one that has been pushed through since the review was already completed. We saw problems in the implementation," Marcos Jnr stated.
For years, environmental activists have voiced concerns over the reclamation efforts, which sought to transform the bay into a luxury gaming and tourism hub akin to Las Vegas and Macau. The projects, driven by property developers, envisioned islands housing upscale hotels, casinos, restaurants, and shopping centers.
The Environment Secretary, Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, initially championed the economic benefits the initiative would bring. However, she later acknowledged potential ecological impacts. A team, supported by international experts, will soon be formed to assess the environmental impact of these reclamation projects, according to GMA News.
Despite the past administrations’ reticence on the environmental risks associated with the coastal development, the recent U.S. outcry seems to have galvanized the Marcos Jnr administration into action.
Tensions have also escalated between the Philippines and China following allegations of the Chinese coastguard directing water cannons at Philippine ships in the Spratly Islands. This altercation further amplified calls for a review of the involvement of the state-owned Chinese entity in Manila Bay's development projects.
The current dispute has brought to the fore diplomatic challenges, with the Chinese embassy urging the Marcos Jnr administration to initiate dialogue on the prolonged discord in the region. Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin recently reaffirmed Washington's unwavering commitment to Manila's defense during a conversation with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro.
The future of the Manila Bay reclamation projects remains uncertain as geopolitical and environmental concerns continue to intersect.