House Committee on Public Accounts Chairperson Terry Ridon has confirmed that the investigation into the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach project will begin on November 17.
According to Ridon, the initial hearing will focus on the necessity of the project, as outlined in the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and the Supreme Court’s Continuing Mandamus for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
The investigation will also examine the flooding that occurred in the Ermita and Malate areas, including the status of the Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad drainage outfalls.
In addition, the committee will assess the impact of the engineering specifications of the Dolomite Beach project.
Ridon explained that the committee will explore alternative interventions and solutions to clean, rehabilitate, and protect Manila Bay.
He added that efforts will also be made to improve water quality to allow swimming, skin diving, and other forms of contact recreation, in compliance with the specific requirements under the Supreme Court’s Continuing Mandamus.
Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee will invite representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Economy, Planning and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Manila city government to the hearing. (ZIA LUNA)
