‘NEDA board in best position to ok reclamation projects’

MANILA, Philippines – “Commendable.”

This was how two business groups, the Makati Business Club (MBC) and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), described Executive Order 146, which transferred the authority to approve reclamation projects from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board, which is chaired by President Benigno Aquino III.

In a joint statement on Thursday, December 5, MBC and MAP said, “the issuance of the measure is a prudent response to public apprehension over the risks posed by proposed reclamation projects, most extensively along Manila Bay.”

In November, Aquino signed EO 146, which delegated the power to approve reclamation projects to the NEDA board from the PRA.

The EO essentially limited the role of PRA to processing, evaluating and recommending to the NEDA board the approval of all proposed reclamation projects.

MBC and MAP said that NEDA is in the best postion to assess whether proposed reclamation projects are in line with the government’s development goals.

Both groups also noted that “EO 146 sends an encouraging signal that the national government is more conscious of pursuing a holistic approach to progress, one that balances the need to generate government revenue streams and employment with the protection of the environment and public safety.”

The EO was issued as the Pasay City government was bidding out a 300-hectare Manila Bay reclamation project.

The SM group gave a proposal for the project, which was also eyed by other companies such as Ayala Land. 

The Pasay government awarded the project to SM after the other interested groups failed to submit counter-proposals within the deadline.

Ayala Land said it was disappointed over the city’s decision, noting “critical issues” raised against the project and the bidding process were not address.

Ayala Land chief operating officer Bobby Dy said it was “unfortunate that Pasay City proceeded with the award despite numerous concerns expressed by various groups, particularly on the environmental impact of the reclamation, and the questions we raised on the process that it followed.” – Rappler.com