The Department of Environment and Natural Resources tested the quality of water on several portions of the Manila Bay following the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to rehabilitate Manila’s popular coastline starting Jan. 27. Cimatu earlier described Manila Bay as a “magnified cesspool” because of the high coliform level of 330 million most probable number (MPN) per 100 milliliter, compared to the safe level of 100 MPN per 100 milliliter. The DENR’s goal is to reduce the coliform level to less than 270 MPN by December 2019.

DENR tests Manila Bay waters. (2019, January 13). Manila Standard, p. A4.