During a visit to Lubao, Pampanga, Sen. Cynthia Villar stated that, "Manila Bay is now five times dirtier compared to its condition in 2008 when the Supreme Court ordered 13 national agencies to restore it to a state fit for swimming and other forms of recreation."

She added that restoring the health of Manila Bay and other fishing grounds was another way of reducing poverty among 1.5 million fishermen and lowering the cost of fish.

According to EnviroNewsph, "Research shows that unprocessed waste ending up in the bay has resulted in high levels of fecal coliform and the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and excess feeds in its waters. This, along with other factors, have resulted in the degradation of Manila Bay and its coastal areas, resulting in an estimated PHP 4 billion in damages yearly, mostly in fisheries, exports, and mortality costs due to waterborne diseases."

Moreover, because of pollution, marine species in the bay may contain heavy metals and other persistent toxic substances. Dr. Romeo Quijano, Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, UP College of Medicine, says that once ingested, these pollutants may cause cancer, immune system disease, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, congenital malformation and developmental disorders, and many other diseases.

“Allowing the seas to recover benefits not only the environment but also ourselves,” said Cinches. “Manila Bay, representative of the challenges besetting Philippine seas, is dying. Restoring Manila Bay, as well as Philippine seas in general, is not just aesthetic. It brings life and livelihood to coastal communities. Greenpeace is calling on the Philippine government to enact a Roadmap to Recovery for the Philippine Seas that would allow our seas to continue to be a productive resource for future generations of Filipinos.”

We are calling on the Philippine government to close down all the waste disposal facilities within the Manila Bay as part of the clean-up and rehabilitation efforts to save it.

Just like in Boracay, Manila Bay also needs the government's attention and be recovered as soon as possible. This will not only lead to the restoration of the bay but will also give life to marine animals, give more tourism opportunities for the Philippines, avoid its people from pollution and health risks. All in all, will improve the beauty and pride of Manila and the whole Philippines.