House to begin probe into Manila Bay dolomite beach in November
MANILA, Philippines — The House is set to launch a legislative probe into the environmental impact and possible role in flooding of the dolomite beach on Manila Bay, with a target date set for November 17.
In a statement on Monday, November 3, Public Accounts Committee Chair Rep. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list) said the investigation will open with an examination of the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and the 2008 Supreme Court order to clean up and rehabilitate the bay.
"The hearing will also examine the project’s flooding impact on adjacent Ermita–Malate areas, including the status of the Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad drainage outfalls and any effects arising from the project’s engineering specifications," the statement read.
The idea of a probe began when the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) pointed to the dolomite beach for causing severe flooding in Manila roads by blocking major drainage outfalls. The flooding struck as some of the year’s strongest tropical cyclones swept through the country.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) offered little comment on the MMDA’s findings, saying a "scientific analysis" is needed and citing "changing weather patterns" as one key factor in the floods.
The Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, an artificial beach, was the DENR's project, which cost around P400 million. It was first opened to the public in 2022 and was supposed to serve as a "beach nourishment project" under the government's rehabilitation program.
However, thousands of Filipino households residing in the Manila Bay area have been left to fend for themselves for years as their coastal communities remain vulnerable to persistent flooding alongside the effects of climate change.
Beyond the controversial dolomite beach, Manila Bay has been the site of multiple reclamation projects. A recent DENR report shows these projects have damaged marine ecosystems and threatened the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
In the House probe, Ridon said the committee will examine alternative solutions and interventions to comply with the Supreme Court’s continuing mandamus to rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay, including efforts to improve water quality for swimming and other recreational activities.
The DENR, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev), Department of Public Works and Highways, MMDA and Manila City government will be invited to attend the hearings.
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