THE ongoing reclamation project in Manila Bay will be investigated by Congress, although an exact date has yet to be given.
The move comes following a report from the US Embassy demanding the Philippines blacklist a company conducting the reclamation project due to alleged fraudulent actions.
The China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC), a majority state-owned company, is believed to be responsible for building air and naval bases in the West Philippine Sea.
House Resolution No. 1171, introduced by ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo on August 8, urges the Committee on National Defense and Security, Committee on Ecology, and other appropriate committees to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation regarding the status of the Manila Bay Reclamation Projects and its consequential effects on national security and the environment.
“According to the speaker last night, he is wondering who is guarding these Chinese ships in Manila Bay right now, because all of them are Chinese vessels involved in dredging and reclamation. As of the last count, there are nearly 100 of them there.”
“So how would we monitor that they are really legitimate construction firms, given that they are owned by the government? They built the airbase and naval facilities of China in the West Philippine Sea,” Cong. Erwin Tulfo said.
Congressman Tulfo stated that Speaker Martin Romualdez received reports that the crews of Chinese ships in Manila Bay are disembarking at night without proper documentation, raising concerns about national security.
“But according to the Speaker, the news is that these crews are disembarking at night. So our national security is being threatened. What if these are members of the People’s Liberation Army? What if they are members of China’s intelligence community, gathering information, videos, and pictures of our vital installations? What will happen then? They don’t have any documentation, that’s what is being said, and who’s watching them? That’s the Speaker’s concern,” Tulfo added.
Congress to investigate water cannon incident near Ayungin Shoal
Aside from the Manila Bay reclamation project, Congress will also investigate the water canon incident used by the Chinese Coast Guard on a Philippine ship at Ayungin Shoal on Saturday, August 5.
Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian has been invited to the Congressional hearing to address the issues.
“That’s why, it’s like in one go, he will ask Ambassador Huang Xilian for the solution to this problem,” Tulfo said.
