There is a reclamation project in Laguna de Bay that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) found was presented as a flood control project.
During the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget hearing on Monday, October 27, the agency’s spending came under closer scrutiny amid the administration’s ongoing corruption concerns. While alleged ghost flood control projects have recently been cited in potential kickback schemes, DENR Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science Carlos Primo C. David highlighted several anomalous projects identified through satellite imagery.
One of these is a reclamation project in Laguna de Bay that has drawn scrutiny.
‘This is a flood control project within Laguna de Bay but if you look at the satellite images, they are actually reclamation projects within the lake right along C6. So this is a different kind of issue because there are much much more permits, environmental impact, maybe it even costs further flooding within the Laguna lake area when you do reclamation projects,’ David said.
Reclamation in Laguna de Bay has long been a contentious issue. Photos taken by The STAR in 2024 showed reclamation activities in the lake, which the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) confirmed lacked proper permits.
The LLDA said the reclamation activities were carried out by local government units and private entities. The lake’s governing body emphasized that reclamation is not permitted and is pursuing legal action regarding the matter.
In 2025, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) reiterated that reclamation in the lake is not allowed, ordering an immediate halt to unauthorized projects. The PRA noted that Laguna de Bay plays a vital role in managing floodwaters from Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.
‘Unauthorized reclamation within the lake limits its natural hydrological function and exacerbates perennial flooding, endangering the safety, livelihood, and welfare of millions of Filipinos,’ the PRA said in an earlier statement.