November 4, 2025 – Manila, Philippines
The House of Representatives will begin its investigation into the controversial Manila Bay Dolomite Beach by the third week of November, focusing on whether the multi-million-peso project was necessary and compliant with environmental and legal standards.
In a statement on Monday, Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon, chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said the inquiry will assess if the dolomite beach aligns with the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and the Supreme Court’s writ of continuing mandamus directing the rehabilitation of Manila 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,” Ridon said.
The investigation aims to clarify whether the construction of the artificial beach worsened flooding in nearby communities and to identify possible alternative measures to clean and rehabilitate the bay more effectively.
Invited Agencies
Ridon confirmed that the committee will summon representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Economy, Planning and Development, and the Manila City Government.
The hearings will also explore whether the dolomite project was consistent with national development priorities and whether its implementation followed proper environmental protocols.
Background
On July 16, Ridon filed House Resolution No. 56, urging Congress to scrutinize the dolomite beach initiative amid claims that environmental concerns were disregarded by the previous administration.
The MMDA previously stated that the artificial beachfront along Roxas Boulevard, built during the Duterte administration, may have contributed to flooding in parts of Metro Manila.
Ridon emphasized that the project was not among those approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Master Plan, describing it as a “cosmetic project disguised as rehabilitation.”
The upcoming hearing seeks to determine accountability, review policy gaps, and ensure future coastal restoration projects strictly comply with environmental standards.