Senator Alan Peter Cayetano called on the Senate to probe the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) cancellation of a housing agreement within the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, emphasizing the area’s critical role in ecological balance and flood prevention.
In Senate Resolution No. 1323, Cayetano urged the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to look into the DENR’s decision to revoke its Supplemental Joint Venture Agreement (SJVA) with private developer Blue Star Construction Development Corporation (BSDC).
Masungi in Baras, Rizal is a protected area known for its limestone cliffs, forests, and rich biodiversity.
In 1996, the DENR contracted BSDC to build 5,000 low-cost housing units for government employees in the area. The SJVA extended the agreement in 2002, allowing the developer to construct an additional 5,000 units.
This March, however, the DENR canceled the agreement, citing lack of presidential approval and proof of compliance with bidding and procurement laws, and the BSDC’s failure to fulfill its commitments.
The DENR also accused the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, Inc. (MGFI) — a group linked to BSDC and tasked with managing 2,700 hectares of land, including Masungi — of turning the area into a commercial tourism site instead of a housing development area.
MGFI fired back, accusing the DENR of failing to remove illegal occupants and claiming the cancellation was part of a larger effort to weaken environmental protections.
In the resolution, the veteran legislator stressed the importance of safeguarding Masungi, which serves as a source of clean water and a natural sponge to prevent flooding in Metro Manila.
“The protection and conservation of the environment and our natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations of Filipinos is a sacred duty entrusted to our leaders.”
“The protection and conservation of the environment and our natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations of Filipinos is a sacred duty entrusted to our leaders,” the seasoned lawmaker wrote.
He added that it is the Senate’s duty “as champions of public interest” to understand the facts from both sides and help resolve the issue.
“Congress must take the initiative to hear all sides, with a view to facilitating a smooth and orderly resolution of the dispute, if feasible,” the senator stressed.
He warned that beyond environmental issues, the situation also raises broader concerns about potential abuses and mismanagement of public lands.
“It is imperative that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders squarely confront this legal quandary in which the Masungi Georeserve finds itself.”
“It is imperative that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders squarely confront this legal quandary in which the Masungi Georeserve finds itself,” Cayetano said.
He emphasized that the Senate must ensure transparency and accountability in managing public lands, reminding officials that good governance serves the people’s welfare.
“Honoring God through good governance requires transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public funds and properties,” Cayetano said.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has yet to set a date for the inquiry.
