00:00 The DNR's budget for the next year was heard in the camera today.
00:05 I will also list the agencies' steps to address the issue related to the Manila Bay Reclamation Projects.
00:13 Mela Lesmora has the story.
00:15 In the hearing of the House Committee on Appropriations on the Funding of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the next year,
00:26 DNR Secretary Tony Yuloloy-Saga was informed about the frequent delay in the Manila Bay from the various reclamation projects.
00:36 Recently, President Ferdinand R. Marquez Jr. himself ordered the suspension of the projects in Manila Bay
00:43 to ensure that they go through the right process and the effects of it on the environment.
00:50 Mr. Chair, it is clear that DNR as an agency has failed in the past in taking care of Manila Bay.
00:59 That is why we can't just proceed without acknowledging our past errors.
01:04 So if I may strongly suggest to DNR, Mr. Chair, we should punish those involved and those who signed.
01:14 There are 13 other mandamus agencies that are part of the Supreme Court ruling.
01:20 And there are local government units that are actually the proponents of these different reclamation projects.
01:27 The DNR cannot be held solely responsible for any failures in terms of protecting the coastal ecosystem.
01:34 This is a whole of society job and it must be the whole of government that will be involved in preserving our environment.
01:42 DNR is urging them to address the issue and punish those who went against it.
01:51 If there were misdeeds, if there were any kind of infraction in terms of the rules,
01:58 we will certainly be able to look into possible sanctions.
02:02 However, at this point, our emphasis is really on reviewing the ECCs and their conditions,
02:08 of which, Mr. Chair, I have to say there are many and substantive conditions
02:14 that are actually positive in terms of environmental management.
02:17 In fact, according to Luisaga, they have requested one case today for the cumulative impact assessment on the Manila Bay reclamation projects.
02:27 So the intention of the suspension for review is to actually conduct what is called the cumulative impact assessment,
02:35 which means that instead of evaluating each and every project proposal individually,
02:42 there will now be an effort to create a situation or a scenario wherein all these reclamation projects will actually occur
02:53 and what impact that would be on the baseline condition of Manila Bay as we know it today.
03:00 For 2024, DNR requested a fund of P24.57 billion for their various projects.
03:09 Some lawmakers recognized the efforts of DNR to protect and take care of the nature of the Philippines.
03:17 Let us acknowledge and support the vital role that the DNR plays as we collectively strive to be responsible stewards of our planet.
03:26 In the coming days, government agencies will face the camera for the budget deliberations.
03:35 Melalas Moras for the country.
03:37 (upbeat music)
