THE House of Representatives’ investigation into the controversial Manila Bay Dolomite Beach project will commence in the third week of November, focusing on whether the project aligns with the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and the Supreme Court’s (SC) writ of continuing mandamus on the Manila Bay rehabilitation, according to Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon.
Ridon, who chairs the House committee on public accounts, stated that the initial hearing, scheduled for the week of November 17, 2025, will specifically examine the project’s necessity in light of the existing master plan and the SC’s mandate to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay.
The committee also aims to determine if the dolomite beach project has contributed to flooding in adjacent areas within the City of Manila, including the impact on the Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad drainage outfalls.
“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,” Ridon said. Furthermore, the committee will explore alternative interventions and solutions to improve Manila Bay’s water quality and make it suitable for swimming and other recreational activities, as required by the Supreme Court.
Ridon, who filed House Resolution (HR) No. 56 last July to initiate the probe, has raised concerns about potential environmental impacts that were allegedly disregarded by the previous administration. He cited requests from scientific experts at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) and the group Agham for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to release environmental and fisheries impact assessment data for the project.
The project has faced criticism from environmental advocates and public officials, including former Vice President Leni Robredo, who questioned its necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that the P349 million budget could have been used to provide cash assistance to struggling families.
