I again take time out in presenting the remaining commandments in the Ten Commandments For The Environment to share with you the recent press release sent to His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle, D.D., by the Philippine Bar Association, Inc. Through its President, Atty. Beda G. Fajardo, the PBA is supporting our opposition to the proposed Manila Bay Reclamation Project.
Here is the letter:
PBA SUPPORTS OPPOSITION TO THE MANILA BAY
RECLAMATION PROJECTThe Philippine Bar Association supports the opposition by the 21 bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila led by Cardinal Luis Tagle to the proposed Manila Bay Reclamation Project on scientific, legal and moral grounds. There are scientific findings that the project poses serious geological hazards arising from worsening floods and high tide invasions, surges and storm waves from passing typhoons, and liquefaction during earthquakes that will destroy buildings in coastal areas. The NIPAS Act or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act which reserves the Manila Bay Area for National Park purposes makes it a protected area that deserves conservation and protection. Presidential Proclamation No. 41 of President Ramon Magsaysay in 1954 declared the area to be a National Park. The Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area is included in the Ramsar list of “Wetlands of International Importance”. The Philippines is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1994 and agreed to include wetland conservation in its national land use planning and committed to implement and promote the wise use of wetlands in its territory. It bears noting that the 1987 Constitution protects the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature. In pursuance thereof, our Supreme Court, in a landmark decision on December 18, 2008 ruled that the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology is as clear as the duty of the Government to protect and advance that right. The Court also enunciated the principle that this generation has the obligation to insure the protection of that right for the generations to come.
The weight of the opinion and support of this group cannot be ignored and taken lightly. They do not just register their opposition without sound legal basis. It is really a wonder how projects like the Manila Bay Reclamation have proceeded at all. With the significant number of agreements, acts, and proclamations disfavoring it, it should not have seen the light of day at all. This is not about overlooking and misinterpreting existing safety measures and laws on the said areas, but a deliberate disregard and arrogant attitude against them. It is unfortunate that we still have to exert effort, time, and even money to fight a fight which is clearly in favor of the opposition. Vigilance is being tested. Vigilance we should have. And vigilance we must exercise constantly.
When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail. - Pearl S. Buck
Photo credit: Manila Metro