Marikina mayor to file complaint with DENR over river reclamation

Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro said he will file a complaint with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) against the firm of Marikina Representative Bayani Fernando due to a reclamation project in Marikina River, which the former said contributed to the massive flooding in the city during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the reclamation project of Fernando’s BFCT Corporation was not permitted by the city government as it failed to secure an environment compliance certificate from the DENR.

“Malinaw ‘yong batas, sinasabi na anumang environmentally critical project ay nangangailangan ng ECC at walang sinumang indibidwal o korporasyon ang maaaring magsagawa ng development o ng pagbabago ng river kung walang kaukulang ECC,” Teodoro said.

“The least that I want to happen is a political bickering. Importanteng maitama natin ‘yong alignment ng Marikina River dahil bahagi ito ng long term solution at permanent solusyon upang kung hindi man maiwasan ay mabawasan ang pagbaha,” he added.

Fernando did not issue a statement on the matter.

However, he maintained that there is no reclamation being pursued by his firm.

“There is no such thing as reclamation along Sitio Olandes or anywhere I know,” Fernando said in a text message to GMA News.

It can be recalled that Fernando said it was the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that was pursuing an artificial embankment along Marikina River as part of its flood control project.

Fernando said the DPWH even claimed a part of his land.

The DPWH-National Capital Region said it does not have equipment or manpower in the said location and that it does not have a private contractor involved in such project.

The DPWH said it is involved in a Marikina flood control project, however, it is located in Batasan Hills in Quezon City.

A large part of Marikina became flooded more than a week ago after the Marikina River overflowed due to strong overnight rains brought by Ulysses. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News