Pangilinan calls for an investigation in the P389M Manila Bay dolomite project

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Kiko Pangilinan seeks probe on the “beach nourishment” project that covers a small portion of Manila Baywalk with crushed dolomite. The project was reportedly cost P389 million and has received number of criticisms from marine scientist as costly and temporary solution.

Pangilinan urges the Senate to investigate the possible environmental and health hazards of the Manila Bay project, which he called wasteful and unnecessary. According to the senator, “The funds used for the project could have been used to supplement the health sector’s pandemic response or distance learning gadgets and materials for teachers and students. It could have also served as cash aid for the millions of Filipinos who lost their jobs during the pandemic.”

Senate Resolution 565 was filed by the senator to raise awareness over the sustainability, legality and possible environmental and public health hazards of the dolomite project. This also calls on the Senate to investigate the responsibility of public officials, specifically for violating the following laws:

Local Government Code

Philippine Fisheries Code

Wildlife Conservation Act

Environmental Impact Assessment System

Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees

Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

“The problem is not only in Manila Bay but also in the mining of dolomites in Alcoy, Cebu which may have damaged coral reefs and caused the loss of habitat of some endangered species. In short, it brought more problems instead of a solution,” Pangilinan added.

On Friday morning during an event launching water quality monitors at Manila Bay, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said that he would welcome a Senate investigation.  He added, “We are prepared to defend all decisions.” It was previously confirmed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that the crushed dolomite does not pose any health risks.  The tests were conducted by Environmental Management Bureau and Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Jasmine C.

Mabuhay! An upcoming Newswriter for the Asian Affairs from the Pearl of the Orient - Philippines. Avid follower of celebrity gossips, fashion news. I got into writing so that my fellow Kababayan will be constantly updated with the latest news.

Recent Posts

China and UAE Celebrate 40 Years of Diplomatic Relations: All the Sectors for Partnership

Celebrating 40 years of diplomatic ties, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are poised to fortify an alliance that…

November 2, 2024

What’s in Store for Squid Game Season 2: New Twists, International Adaptations, and a Bold Return to the Games

Fans of the worldwide sensation Squid Game have much to look forward to this December as the show's producer, Hwang…

November 2, 2024

TWICE Joins Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ Tour for a Seoul Spectacle in 2025

Especially when it's the internationally known British rock band Coldplay linking up with K-pop phenomenon TWICE, few events match the…

November 2, 2024

China Caught in the Crossfire: Tensions Rise as North Korea and Russia Strengthen Alliance

Tucked on a 12-story structure in northeast China, visitors flock to get a rare view of the junction of their…

November 2, 2024

Could Westeros Dragons Soon Soar into the Big Screen? ‘Game of Thrones’ Film Reportedly in Early Development

HBO's Game of Thrones has created a void in the fantasy world of television that no other show has quite…

November 1, 2024

Preparing for U.S. Election Impact: Sen. Imee Marcos Urges Self-Reliant Defense Amid Uncertain Times

Head of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Imee Marcos underlined the need of the Philippines getting ready for…

November 1, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More