Manila: The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) assured its full cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other concerned agencies in the inspection and verification of reclamation operations in Manila Bay.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PRA affirmed its commitment to transparency, maritime security, and regulatory compliance in reclamation activities within Manila Bay. The agency stated that it would ensure all reclamation partners and project proponents utilize only duly registered and compliant vessels, including locally registered dredgers, in line with Philippine laws and regulations. Vessels with irregular registration status or those failing to meet registration and Automatic Identification System requirements will be prohibited from operating in projects under its jurisdiction.

The PRA emphasized that all reclamation activities under its jurisdiction must adhere to maritime laws, environmental regulations, and safety standards. Any identified violations will be addressed through existing laws and applicable regulatory processes.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had earlier instructed the PCG to board and inspect all dredgers involved in Manila Bay reclamation projects due to concerns regarding vessel identity, ownership, and compliance with Philippine laws.

Under Philippine law, dredgers transporting sand between Philippine points must be at least 60 percent Filipino-owned, Philippine-flagged, and registered, and crewed by Filipino nationals. Foreign-owned or foreign-flagged vessels are restricted from undertaking dredging operations unless they are properly reflagged and placed under qualified domestic ownership.