Lawmakers are preparing to scrutinize the Manila Bay dolomite beach development, with the House Committee on Public Accounts confirming its first hearing in the third week of November.
Committee chair Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said the session will revisit whether the controversial makeover aligned with long-term rehabilitation plans and existing environmental orders. “The first hearing will focus on the project’s necessity based on (a) the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and (b) the Supreme Court’s Continuing Mandamus for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay,” Ridon stated.
The committee is also expected to assess whether the artificial beach contributed to flooding concerns in nearby communities, including Ermita and Malate. Ridon noted that the inquiry will review “the status of the Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad drainage outfalls and any effects arising from the project’s engineering specifications.”
In addition to examining the project’s execution, legislators will discuss other possible measures to clean and restore the bay, improve water quality, and support activities such as swimming and diving.
Invitations will be issued to key government agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Economy, Planning and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Members of the House minority bloc voiced support for the review. ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio criticized the project’s timing and cost, saying, “It’s about time na malantad talaga na talagang useless naman itong proyektong ito. Sinimulan noong nakaraang administrasyon, kalagitnaan pa ng pandemic, over P600 million ang nagastos na rito. Hindi ito tunay na rehabilitasyon ng Manila Bay.”
He added that the inquiry should determine whether public funds were wasted and identify officials who should be held accountable. “So dapat lang na maimbestigahan… makita kung gaano kalaking pondo ba talaga ang nasayang at kung ‘yung extent ng corruption na involved dito. At kailangan mapanagot ang lahat ng sangkot dito up to the President himself dahil proyekto ito ng dating Pangulo.”
