House probe on impact of Manila Bay dolomite beach eyed amid persistent floods

Metro Manila, Philippines - A House inquiry into the impact of the so-called Manila Bay “dolomite beach” has been eyed amid persistent flooding in the capital.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon filed House Resolution 56 on Wednesday, July 16, for the public accounts panel and other committees to look into the necessity, cost, and environmental impact of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program.

The filing came after Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes said three major drainage outfalls were blocked during the construction of the dolomite beach.

“It was never envisioned to protect Manila Bay’s coastal resources nor to prevent coastal flooding, erosion, or pollution. It is a cosmetic project masquerading as rehabilitation, and has now proven harmful to flood mitigation efforts in Manila,” Ridon said in a statement.

He said the project was a “criminal wastage of public funds” as the money could have been allotted for sewage treatment plants and other engineering interventions.

The inquiry aims to determine whether the dolomite beach worsened the flooding in the metro and whether criminal and administrative liability is attached to government officials among others.

“On these grounds, graft charges are all but certain. And if, in the course of the inquiry, we find that the requirements for plunder are met, then so be it,” Ridon said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier said the project was not included in the approved Manila Bay Rehabilitation Master Plan of the National Economic and Development Authority.

The 500-meter dolomite beach, which had a P389-million budget, was put up in September 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crushed dolomite has been replenished in the area after storms washed away the artificial beach.

Critics argued that the aesthetic-driven project prioritized visual appeal over sound ecological planning.