THE Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) announced it will intensify its nationwide drive against illegal reclamation projects.
“If a reclamation project has no permit from PRA, we issue a show-cause order. Failure to comply leads to a cease and desist order, and the land is forfeited,” said Joseph John Literal, PRA assistant general manager for reclamation. He noted that inspections are ongoing across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.Literal said many illegal projects stem from misunderstandings over foreshore lease agreements (FLAs) and miscellaneous lease agreements (MLAs), which are often issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.Developers sometimes assume these agreements allow reclamation — a misstep that frequently results in unauthorized activities, Literal said.He added that legal reclamation projects undergo rigorous review, including feasibility studies, environmental compliance certificates, engineering designs and hydrodynamic modeling. Unauthorized projects bypass these safeguards, putting the environment and public safety at risk.Violators may face administrative, civil or criminal penalties. Public officials involved in illegal reclamation can also be held administratively liable, while environmental damage, such as the destruction of mangroves, can trigger civil or criminal charges.Literal said the PRA has enhanced coordination with other agencies to ensure all reclamation activities are duly authorized.“We are clarifying with agencies that all developments in foreshore and inland waters require PRA approval. This helps prevent misuse of FLAs and MLAs,” he said.The crackdown comes as the PRA commemorates its 49th anniversary. The agency’s current initiatives include the Land for the Landless program, the Bay City Loop and the construction of a new corporate office building.