Manila, Sept. 2 -- Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Wednesday pressed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to tighten scrutiny of reclamation, quarrying, mining, and land conversion projects, warning that their cumulative impact could worsen flooding during extreme rainfall.

Pangilinan said environmental permits should not be treated as a license for developments that could compromise watersheds, waterways, wetlands, and coastlines, particularly as rapid urbanization reduces areas that naturally absorb and carry floodwaters.

"Patong-patong ang epekto sa baha ng patong-patong na mga permit sa reclamation, quarrying, at land conversion. Hindi lisensya ang environmental permits para baha ang pagdusahan ng kasaluk...