PGasia | Raising Concerns: Senator’s Family Tied to Manila Bay Project with Chinese Involvement
A noteworthy development has come to light regarding the family of the legislator. Their ownership of Waterfront Manila Premier Development Inc (MWPDI) has brought attention to a substantial reclamation initiative in Manila Bay. Valued at PHP34.3 billion (US$611 million), this ambitious venture is set to encompass a casino, a business district, and diverse amenities.
However, a significant twist arises due to the involvement of a Chinese construction company tasked with developing the expansive 318 hectares (785 acres) of reclaimed land. This collaboration has triggered apprehensions, as the said Chinese entity is already flagged on a U.S. government blacklist, raising diplomatic concerns that the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines has notably addressed.
How to Get Free 100 Bonus
Register >>> Download APP >>> Join Channel >>> Contact Online CS >>> Claim Bonus
Claiming your free bonus is as easy as that! What are you waiting for? Only 500 slots available every day, so grab the opportunity and be a winner!
Stepping Out of the Shadows
Senator Gatchalian’s recent stance has been brought into focus, with a PhilStar report shedding light on the matter. Gatchalian openly acknowledges that the project is linked to his father and confidently affirms that all necessary permits have been secured. He emphasizes that he refrains from interfering in the business’s affairs.
The U.S. Embassy has raised a red flag, expressing its concerns to the Philippine government regarding the Chinese firm, China Communications Construction Co (CCCC). This company has remained on a blacklist for an extended duration due to its alleged engagement in both the militarization of the South China Sea and potential instances of fraudulent business conduct, as outlined by the U.S. government.
While Gatchalian is actively pursuing the dismantling of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., he dismisses the Embassy’s complaint as inconsequential. He highlights that the Philippine government hasn’t formally registered the opinion and that the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), involved in the project, possesses all requisite documentation. This viewpoint is echoed by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), the overseeing body for reclamation initiatives in the nation.
MWPDI has previously encountered challenges. Just a year ago, its government contract was nullified by a court, citing inadequate adherence to bidding protocols. Nonetheless, this decision was subsequently reversed following an appeal.
Stormy Waters: Puzzling Collaboration Amidst Tensions
The decision of MWPDI to engage the CCCC for project assistance remains enigmatic against the backdrop of strained relations between the two nations. The CCCC’s involvement in projects within the South China Sea has been a persistent source of contention between China and the Philippines.
This friction is rooted in a territorial dispute. The Philippines assert rights over waters that China reportedly claims, resulting in conflicting assertions. Mutual accusations of territorial encroachment have been commonplace.
Recent events further illustrate the tension. Allegedly, China confronted Philippine vessels, deploying water cannons as they transported supplies to Ayungin Shoal in the Spratly Islands chain. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in the region.
The vessels were en route with vital supplies for Philippine military forces stationed on the atoll. In response, China contends that the presence of Philippine troops on the atoll is in violation of international law. China further claims that the supply ships had unlawfully entered its territorial waters.
China’s repeated assertion of almost complete sovereignty over the South China Sea, backed by an array of military and fishing vessels, stands in stark violation of multiple international treaties delineating territorial and maritime boundaries.
