MANILA BAY BRIEF HISTORY

Manila Bay is a natural harbor located in the western part of Luzon island in the Philippines.
It has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times when it was a trading center for the
Tagalog people. The waters of Manila Bay were once pristine, with clear blue waters teeming
with fish and other marine life.

However, over the years, the bay has become heavily polluted due to rapid industrialization,
urbanization, and population growth. Factories and households have been dumping their
waste into the bay, leading to high levels of contaminants such as heavy metals, oil, and
plastic waste. The once-clear waters became murky, and the beaches are covered with
garbage.

The pollution in Manila Bay has not only affected the environment but also the livelihoods of
millions of Filipinos who depend on the bay for their daily needs, such as fishing and
tourism. The poor water quality has also led to the spread of waterborne diseases, posing a
threat to public health.

THE LANDMARK CASE PENNED BY JUSTICE PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, Jr.

In 2008, the case of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), et al. v. Concerned
Residents of Manila Bay was decided and had become the landmark case in the Philippines
that dealt with the issue of environmental protection and the responsibilities of government
agencies in ensuring the preservation and rehabilitation of natural resources.

The main issue in the case was the massive pollution and degradation of Manila Bay, which
has been a result of the unregulated dumping of untreated sewage, solid waste, and industrial
effluents into the bay. The Concerned Residents of Manila Bay, represented by various civil
society groups and individuals, filed a case with the Supreme Court of the Philippines,
arguing that the pollution of Manila Bay violated their constitutional right to a balanced and
healthful ecology and seeking a writ of continuing mandamus to compel various government
agencies, including the MMDA, to clean up and rehabilitate the bay.

The issues raised in the case include the following:

1. The right of citizens to a balanced and healthful ecology, which is enshrined in the
Philippine Constitution.
2. The obligation of government agencies, including the MMDA, to protect and preserve
the environment, as mandated by various environmental laws and regulations.
3. The role of the court in ensuring the implementation of environmental laws and the
protection of citizens' rights to a healthy environment.

In its decision dated December 18, 2008, the Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled in favor
of the Concerned Residents of Manila Bay and issued a writ of continuing mandamus, which
directed various government agencies to undertake specific measures to clean up and
rehabilitate Manila Bay. The Court also ordered the creation of a Manila Bay Advisory
Committee, which would oversee the implementation of the rehabilitation program and
ensure the compliance of government agencies with the court's directive.
The decision of the case was unanimous among the Justices, with Justice Presbitero Velasco
Jr. writing the decision on behalf of the Court. The case is significant because it affirmed the
constitutional right of citizens to a healthy environment and established the legal framework
for the protection and rehabilitation of Manila Bay. The case also highlighted the importance
of government agencies' compliance with environmental laws and regulations and the critical
role of the judiciary in ensuring their implementation.

THE MANILA BAY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr. served as the chairperson of the Manila Bay Advisory
Council (MBAC). The MBAC was created in response to the Supreme Court's decision in the
case of Metro Manila Development Authority, et al. v. Concerned Residents of Manila Bay,
which mandated the rehabilitation and clean-up of Manila Bay, one of the country's most
polluted bodies of water.

As the head of the MBAC, Justice Velasco was tasked with overseeing the implementation of
the Supreme Court's directive and ensuring the cooperation of various government agencies
and stakeholders in the rehabilitation program. He was also responsible for ensuring that the
rehabilitation program was carried out in accordance with environmental laws and
regulations and that the goals of the program were achieved.

Under Justice Velasco's leadership, the MBAC spearheaded various initiatives aimed at
cleaning up Manila Bay, such as the removal of solid waste and debris, the installation of
wastewater treatment facilities, and the implementation of measures to reduce pollution from
industries and other sources. The once heavily polluted waters slowly but surely became
cleaner, and the marine life that had disappeared due to pollution began to return.

Justice Velasco's leadership and the dedication of the MBAC members, along with the
support of the local communities and other stakeholders, have made a significant impact on
the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. The transformation of Manila Bay serves as a reminder that
with concerted efforts, it is possible to reverse the adverse effects of human activities on the
environment.

Overall, Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr. played a crucial role in the rehabilitation and clean-
up of Manila Bay as the head of the MBAC. His leadership and expertise helped to ensure the
successful implementation of the Supreme Court's directive and the protection of the rights of
citizens to a healthy environment.

BENEFITS OF THE MANILA BAY CASE TO THE RESIDENCE OF METRO

MANILA

The case of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) v. Concerned Residents of

Manila Bay had significant benefits for the people of the Philippines, particularly the
residents of Metro Manila.

First, the case affirmed the constitutional right of Filipinos to a balanced and healthful
ecology, which is enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. This means that the government
has a legal obligation to protect and preserve the environment, and citizens have the right to a
healthy environment. The ruling in this case set an important precedent for future
environmental cases and established the legal framework for the protection of citizens'
environmental rights in the Philippines.

Second, the case resulted in the creation of the Manila Bay Advisory Council (MBAC) and
the implementation of a comprehensive rehabilitation and clean-up program for Manila Bay.
The MBAC, headed by Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr., oversaw the implementation of this
program, which included measures to remove solid waste and debris from the bay, the
installation of wastewater treatment facilities, and the reduction of pollution from industries
and other sources. The program significantly improved the water quality of Manila Bay,
which had been severely polluted for many years, and created a healthier and safer
environment for residents.

Finally, the case had positive impacts on the local economy, particularly the tourism industry.
Manila Bay is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, and the clean-up and
rehabilitation program helped to enhance its natural beauty and attractiveness to visitors.
This, in turn, boosted the local economy by creating more jobs and generating more revenue
from tourism.

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED BY SECRETARY ROY CIMATU

Secretary Roy Cimatu, as the head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), has implemented several programs related to the MMDA case decided by Justice
Velasco. These programs aim to rehabilitate Manila Bay and improve its water quality. Some
of these programs are as follows:

Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program - This program aims to improve the water quality of
Manila Bay and restore its natural ecosystem. It involves cleaning up the esteros (waterways),
relocating informal settlers along the bay, rehabilitating mangrove forests, and installing
wastewater treatment facilities.

Battle for Manila Bay - This program aims to mobilize government agencies, private
organizations, and volunteers to help in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. It involves regular
cleanup drives, the enforcement of environmental laws, and the monitoring of water quality
in the bay.

Enhanced National Greening Program - This program aims to reforest denuded areas and
promote sustainable land use practices. It involves the planting of trees and other vegetation
in critical areas such as watersheds and coastal zones.

Hazardous Waste Management Program - This program aims to regulate the disposal of
hazardous wastes from industries and prevent them from polluting waterways and the
environment. It involves the strict implementation of environmental laws and regulations and
the imposition of penalties on violators.

Integrated Coastal Management Program - This program aims to promote sustainable coastal
management practices and ensure the conservation of marine biodiversity. It involves the
establishment of marine protected areas and the regulation of commercial fishing practices.
Overall, Secretary Cimatu's programs are aligned with the objectives of the Manila Bay
Rehabilitation Program and the Supreme Court's decision in the MMDA case. These
programs aim to rehabilitate Manila Bay and promote sustainable development practices to
ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the environment.

Despite the challenges, there is hope for Manila Bay. The efforts to clean up the bay are
ongoing, and the government and the public are becoming more aware of the importance of
protecting the environment. The restoration of Manila Bay will require long-term
commitment and collaboration among all stakeholders, but it is a vital step towards a
sustainable future for the Philippines.
After a decade