The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) welcomed the call of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) to stop reclamation projects in the Philippines citing its “direct impact on the fundamental rights of citizens in vulnerable communities.” The call follows its recent international parliamentary inquiry (IPI) in Metro Manila regarding the Southeast Asia industries and their impact on human rights.

Pamalakaya members appeared and testified before the APHR on October 26. Fisherfolk reported to the lawmakers about the large-scale reclamation projects in Manila Bay that trample on the socio-economic rights of small fisherfolk and coastal residents.

Pamalakaya national chairperson Ka Fernando Hicap said fisherfolk lost 80-90% of their daily income during the peak of reclamation and dredging projects. The entire Manila Bay has 22 approved reclamation projects. The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) in 2023 reported 187 existing and approved reclamation projects nationwide.

“We welcome the APHR’s position against reclamation. This ASEAN body’s investigation is timely, especially amid the detrimental effects of reclamation and dredging such as the decrease in fish catch, the gradual sinking of communities due to sea level rise, and the increased impact of storms,” Hicap said.

Pamalakaya emphasized that the APHR’s investigation in the Philippines is a critical opportunity. Through this, APHR is elevating the issue of reclamation and the struggle of fisherfolk and environmental defenders to the international level.

“President Marcos Jr is obligated to listen to the call of ASEAN lawmakers to stop the destructive reclamation,” Hicap added.

APHR member and Malaysian lawmaker Lee Chean Chung said parliamentarians, governments, and other key stakeholders must go the extra mile to mitigate not only environmental degradation but address these related human rights issues.

The members of APHR forming the IPI committee include Gabriela Rep. Arlene D. Brosas, former Malaysian lawmaker Charles Santiago, Thai lawmaker Nitipon Piwmow, and Lee Chean Chung of Malaysia. The committee had representatives from Pamalakaya, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, and AGHAM.