US Embassy: Manila Bay reclamation projects harm environment, commerce
NEW PLAYGROUND A group of children finds a new spot to spend their Sunday afternoon in this reclaimed area in a section of Manila Bay in Bacoor City, Cavite. This particular reclamation project was granted an environmental compliance certificate by the environment department in 2020. (Photo taken by RICHARD A. REYES)
MANILA, Philippines — United States Embassy has expressed its grave apprehension about the effects of the ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
US Embassy press attaché Kanishka Gangopadhyay said his office engages in “regular discussions” with Philippine government on the detrimental impacts of these activities on nature and business.
“We have expressed concerns about the potential negative long-term and irreversible impacts [of the reclamation projects] to the environment, the resilience to natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce,” Gangopadhyay told INQUIRER.net in a text message.
Gangopadhyay said he needed to repeat the US’ stand on the matter.
The move is meant to refute stories reportedly circulating that US opposes the projects supposedly because these ventures will “surround its embassy overlooking Manila Bay.”
Aside from this matter, the press attaché said he is also worried about projects that have links to China Communications Construction Company.
“[The company] has been added to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea,” Gangopadhyay cautioned Philippine authorities.
“The company has also been cited by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for engaging in fraudulent business practices,” he warned.
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