Erap's first challenge as Manila mayor: Stopping Manila Bay project

The controversial Manila Bay reclamation project will be the first challenge for former President Joseph Estrada when he starts his term as mayor of Manila in June, a party-list group said Wednesday.

“Ito 'yung unang challenge sa administrasyon ni Mayor-elect Estrada,” said Gerry Albert Corpuz of Anakpawis, which is part of a coalition opposing the reclamation project that was approved by the administration of outgoing mayor Alfredo Lim.

“He has to revoke, to rescind this administration’s agreement with Manila Goldcoast,” Corpuz told GMA News Online by phone.

He was referring to the local government’s contract with Manila Goldcoast Development Corp. for the construction of the 148-hectare Solar City, a financial center with an entertainment section, on the portion of Manila Bay behind the Manila Yacht Club.

Estrada was not available for comment, but according to his media officer, Angel Gonong, the former president will still have to study the proposal for the project.

“Wala pa [siyang stand]. Ayaw na munang magsalita [tungkol diyan]… Pag-aaralan muna kasi by June 30 pa siya [pormal na uupo sa pwesto],” Gonong told GMA News Online in a separate phone interview.

Extra vigilant

Corpuz was not satisfied with the lukewarm reply of the Estrada camp. “Lagi na lang sinasabi na pag-aaralan. This is a multi-billion peso business. We have to be extra vigilant,” he said.

If Estrada proceeds with the project, he may face street protests similar—albeit in a smaller scale—to the EDSA uprising in late 2000 that ended his then-two-year-old presidency.

“We will intensify protest sa lansangan kasama ang mga people’s organization at nongovernmental organization. It is going to be across Manila Bay,” Corpuz warned.

Re-elected Manila vice mayor Isko Moreno, Estrada’s running-mate, has earlier stated that he favors the reclamation project. 

GMA News Online tried to get further explanation from Moreno, but he was on official leave until June 11.

Corpuz said Moreno's current stand was contrary to his earlier statements against reclamation projects.

“There was a time na sabi niya masama ang reclamation. Kinuwestyon niya si Mayor [Alfredo] Lim sa pagbibigay ng permit sa Manila Goldcoast. Tapos ganito? Nakapagtataka. He should verify his position,” he said.

In May 24, 2011, the City of Manila issued Ordinance No. 8233 empowering the city mayor to take steps in reclamation. The ordinance led to an agreement between Manila Goldcoast Corp. and the Manila local government to pursue with the reclamation project.

Spare Manila Bay

Groups opposed to the project are calling on Estrada to revoke the ordinance approved by outgoing Mayor Alfredo Lim.

“Manila Mayor Erap Estrada is legally, politically and morally obliged to correct the wrongs of the past if he wants to save the city from death and destruction. The new administration must recall the ordinance and rescind the agreement between Lim and Manila Gold Coast in the name of public interest and environmental protection,” said Pamalakaya vice chairperson Salvador France in a statement Tuesday.

“Manila Bay remains a fishing area and a settlement for coastal people. It should be spared from big business groups whose objective in life is to earn huge profits from reclamation and construction of gambling and entertainment centers along the bay that needs to comprehensive and genuine rehabilitation,” he added.

Aside from Anakpawis and Pamalakaya, other members of the coalition are Koalisyon Kontra Kumbersyon ng Manila Bay (KKK-Manila Bay), Sagip Manila Bay Movement, and Save Freedom Island Movement. — KBK, GMA News