Manila, Philippines – On the 3rd Monday of the month, November 17, the House Committee on Public Accounts will open its inquiry regarding the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach Project.
House Panel chairperson Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon noted that this inquiry aims to investigate the necessity of the project to address the Manila Bay Sustainability and Rehabilitation Plan.
During the investigation, the committee eyes to discuss whether the Dolomite Beach project has impacted the flooding incidents in nearby areas in Manila.
The Dolomite Beach Project started in August 2020, under the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program with almost P400 million in funding.
Amid the then Pandemic, the Dolomite Beach was first opened in September 2020, but was closed again for expansion. In October 2022, the project was declared finished and completed.
While the looming inquiry does not directly “attack” anyone, Ridon received backlash mostly from supporters of then President Rodrigo Duterte.
Amid the criticisms, Ridon clarified that the inquiry is not an attack against the former President, rather, directed towards the then Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that proposed the Dolomite beach project.
Some minority lawmakers have expressed support to the inquiry, with ACT Teachers Party List Representative Antonio Tinio emphasizing that this is a way to investigate whether there was fund misuse or corruption, with Duterte being one of those who should have accountability over the matter.
Tinio’s statement sparked criticism from Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, who condemned the attack and politicking against his father, who he noted as the only leader that addressed the Manila Bay issue.
“Ilang dekada na ang nagdaan at walang ni isang opisyal ng gobyerno ang nagbigay ng nararapat na pansin sa problema ng Manila Bay at tila sinanay na lang tayo sa dumi at mga basura na lumulutang dito…ngunit pagkatapos ng ilang taon at dahil sa pulitika, pilit na ginagawan ng issue ang Manila Bay at pinapahid kay Pangulong Duterte upang siraan ito…,” Rep. Paolo Duterte stated.
Congressman Pulong emphasized that perpetuators should be held liable, even FPRRD himself if he is realy at fault with the issue.
He, however, argued that the public’s attention should not be pulled away from the bigger corruption scandal, jabbing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘s alleged anomalous national budget.
“Nakakahiya kayo! Kung sa tingin ninyu ay bobo ang mga Pilipino, nagkakamali kayo…malinaw sa mata ng bawat pinoy na ang mga imbestigasyong ito ay mga paraan lang para pagtakpan ang totoong issue na bumabalot sa bayan ngayon…
Kung tutuusin, mas dapat itanong: may nanagot na ba sa bilyones na nawala sa panahon ng amo ninyong bangag at tambaloslos? Wala, ‘di ba?,” he added.
On the other hand, Malacañang Palace reiterated separation of powers among branches of the government, saying that the President has no say on the House’s investigation.
With this, Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro dared those that will accuse Marcos of instigating the inquiry to prove their allegations.
She also dismissed the criticisms that the inquiry is just a ploy and a politicking tactic against the former President.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News