House asked to probe dolomite beach project over environment concerns

In this September 3, 2020 photo, workers prepare ground dolomite to create a white sand appearance for a portion of Manila Bay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has asked the House of Representatives to investigate the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach project, due to environmental concerns that were allegedly disregarded by the past administration.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon on Wednesday said he filed House Resolution (HR) No. 56 which seeks an investigation by appropriate panels, including the House committee on public accounts, as the dolomite beach is believed to have an impact on flooding in the City of Manila and other areas.

“Scientific experts from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) and the group Agham have formally requested that the DENR publish environmental and fisheries impact assessment data for the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, warning that the project’s effects on marine habitats, sediment dynamics, and water quality remain unexamined and may pose risks to the bay’s ecosystem and coastal resilience,” Ridon said in HR No. 56.

READ: Robredo slams gov’t for prioritizing Manila Bay white sand over aid for poor families 

“The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), through its Chairman Don Artes, identified the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach project as a contributing factor to the persistent flooding along Taft Avenue, citing the blockage of three major drainage outfalls, namely, Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad, during the construction of the artificial beachfront, which caused rainwater to be rerouted through a sewage treatment plant unable to handle the volume during heavy rains,” he added.

According to Ridon, the following issues must be answered by the probe:

• Whether the project was a necessary government expense to fulfill the Supreme Court’s Writ of Continuing Mandamus on Manila Bay rehabilitation
• Whether it was subjected to a proper environmental impact study, especially with respect to flooding in the City of Manila
• Whether its implementation aggravated flooding in adjacent areas due to the obstruction of drainage outfalls
• Whether the P389 million project cost was within standard pricing for comparable beach nourishment works
• Whether criminal and administrative liability attaches to government officials involved if the project is deemed  unnecessary or irrelevant to the mandamus; implemented without a proper EIA; grossly overpriced; or directly responsible for worsening Manila flooding

Master plan

Ridon also noted in the resolution that the dolomite project was never part of the projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) for the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Master Plan.

“To be clear, the dolomite project was never part of the Neda-approved Manila Bay Rehabilitation Master Plan. This was publicly admitted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during congressional budget deliberations in 2020,” he said.

“As such, 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.  It is nothing but a criminal wastage of public funds — P389 million that could have been far better spent on sewage treatment plants and other engineering interventions grounded in science and sustainability,” he added.

The DENR under former President Rodrigo Duterte was called out by several sectors for implementing a multi-million project amid the COVID-19 pandemic — which then Vice President Leni Robredo said reeks of insensitivity.

If the government decided to place the funds for the dolomite project — back then was pegged at P349 million — Robredo said that 80,000 families would have received a P5,000 cash aid for a month.  This, the former vice president said, would have been a big help considering that some industries have been affected by the health crisis.

READ: Dolomite beach in Manila Bay closed on April 6-7

After monsoon rains hit Manila in September 2020, several photos showed Manila Bay’s portion near Baseco Compound turning white, with several fish dead.

Environment advocates and other personalities have condemned the move to place dolomite sand in the area as it may trigger various health issues, aside from impacting the environment.  No less than the Department of Health raised concerns about potential health hazards that might be brought about by the dolomite beach — including respiratory ailments.

DENR, meanwhile, said that the fish kill and white waters in the Baseco portion of Manila Bay were not caused by the dolomite sand.

“We will undertake a full congressional inquiry, determine criminal and administrative liability, and hold every government official directly involved in the origination, planning, and implementation of this project accountable,” Ridon said.

“This is a project that was not in the master plan. And it now stands as a culprit in worsening floods in the heart of the nation’s capital.  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,” he added. /mr