Most reclamation claims for 'commercial, residential' use: gov't

MANILA - Most of the reclamation projects submitted to the Philippine Reclamation Authority are for "mixed use," an official said Monday after President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would reject "massive" reclamation claims by the private sector.

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The agency has given notices to proceed (NTPs) to 6 reclamation projects but these are still subject to President Rodrigo Duterte's approval, according to Assistant General Manager Joselito Gonzales.

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Most of these are residential and commercial projects proposed by local government units in partnership with private firms, Gonzales said.

"Ultimately the approver of reclamation is the President of the Philippines," he told radio DZMM.

The agency is waiting for Malacañang to issue a presidential memorandum that will put the President's orders into writing, he added.

Almost 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay, from Navotas City to Cavite, are supposed to undergo reclamation under 25 projects. 

Government was earlier warned that dumping soil into the Manila Bay would displace thousands of residents, cause flooding, and harm its biodiversity.