AFP reviewing exchange program that trains senior officers in Beijing Tulfo measure asks House to probe status of reclamation in Manila Bay

By Maricel V. Cruz

REP. Erwin Tulfo of the ACT-CIS party-list group on Tuesday sought a congressional inquiry in aid of legislation into the status of the Manila Bay reclamation projects, citing “several concerns on national security.”

Tulfo, in filing House Resolution 1171, said he shared the sentiment of Speaker Martin Romualdez, who also wants to ensure that national security, transparency, environmental sustainability, and the best interest of the public are upheld.

“I was informed by the Speaker that he was concerned after hearing several news reports regarding national security issues in the reclamation area as he remained committed to safeguarding our nation’s security and upholding our territorial integrity and fostering peaceful cooperation in the region,” Tulfo said in a statement.

Tulfo filed the resolution along with fellow ACT-CIS party-list solons Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo.

The three legislators noted in the resolution that the ongoing reclamation activities in the Manila Bay area “have raised concerns among citizens and various stakeholders.”

They said the reclamation projects may pose a danger to the Philippines after the US government recently raised concerns about the Chinese contractor involved in the projects.