Pamalakaya-Navotas mocked Ramon Ang, one of the biggest comprador bourgeoisie in the country, for stating that he will “help” solve the worsening flooding in Metro Manila. He made the statement with Manila mayor Isko Moreno.
Ang boasted doing this “at no cost to the people and the government.” Recall that he made a similar claim when his company undertook repairs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport then charged extremely high fees.
According to Pamalakaya, Ang’s statements would have been laughable if they were not so infuriating. “He even expects people to thank him,” the group said.
The fishers’ group said Ang himself, along with his company SMC, is one of the main reasons why flooding is worsening in large parts of Metro Manila.
They said flooding is caused by Ang’s grandiose projects, such as the 2,500-hectare New Manila International Airport (NMIA) reclamation project and the Navotas Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, in collaboration with the Navotas LGU, which will serve as access and support facility for NMIA.
“Destroying fishers’ livelihoods aside, residents around the project sites reported that floodwaters in their communities rose faster, higher, and receded slower since these projects began,” Pamalakaya-Navotas said.
“That is why the Ramon Ang’s arrogant statements are like handing out umbrellas amid a deluge created by himself, together with big businessmen, foreign investors, and bureaucrat capitalists,” the group said.
“He must indemnify and be held accountable for the damage their projects caused to the fishers and people of Manila Bay.”
The group calls for the halt of all reclamation projects, as these devastate the environment and the livelihoods along coastal areas.
