Runaway Risk

The New Manila International Airport, a US$15 billion project by San Miguel Corporation, has led to the displacement of approximately 700 families and the destruction of climate-critical mangrove forests in Manila Bay. The report highlights a lack of transparency in public consultations, alleging that the project encroaches on a 'strict protection zone' and disrupts the East Asian-Australasian Flyway for migratory birds. It further criticizes the involvement of Dutch company Royal Boskalis and the insurance provided by Atradius DSB, arguing that these entities failed to adhere to OECD guidelines and international sustainability standards. The document calls for stronger EU corporate accountability laws and independent investigations into the project's violations.

• The New Manila International Airport project has displaced approximately 700 families, with reports that around half received no compensation. Residents describe a coercive consultation process involving armed soldiers who visited homes to pressure families into accepting offers.
• The project is located in a recommended 'strict protection zone' identified in the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan, a joint initiative by the Philippines and Netherlands. The Master Plan warned that the airport would 'permanently damage the natural habitats' and recommended an alternative location.
• Significant ecological damage has occurred, including the illegal clearing of hundreds of mangrove trees, which are critical for carbon sequestration and flood protection. A waterbird census in Manila Bay showed a decline of over 20% between 2017 and 2021, threatening the East Asian-Australasian Flyway used by over 50 million birds.
• The project's carbon footprint is substantial; construction is estimated to produce nearly 1.5 million tonnes of CO2, and annual landing and take-off cycles are expected to produce over 1 million tonnes of CO2 per year for the first phase.
• San Miguel Corporation is accused of circumventing Philippine law by using an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) obtained for a separate 'land development' project to gain approval for the airport, effectively bypassing meaningful public engagement.
• Dutch entities Royal Boskalis and Atradius DSB are implicated in the project, with Atradius DSB providing a €1.5 billion insurance policy. The report argues that Atradius DSB failed to ensure compliance with OECD guidelines and international standards despite claims of conducting due diligence.

APA

Global Witness (n.d.). Runaway Risk. https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/land-and-environmental-defenders/runaway-risk/

Chicago

Global Witness. Runaway Risk. n.d. https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/land-and-environmental-defenders/runaway-risk/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Global Witness |title=Runaway Risk |url=https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/land-and-environmental-defenders/runaway-risk/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{globalwitnessndrunaway, author = {{Global Witness}}, title = {{Runaway Risk}}, institution = {Global Witness}, url = {https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/land-and-environmental-defenders/runaway-risk/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }