Probe into Manila Bay dolomite beach eyed

After the dolomite beach along Manila Bay was blamed for worsening Manila's flooding, a House lawmaker sought a probe into the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) Manila Bay rehabilitation program.

- 

Rep. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list) filed House Resolution 56 on Wednesday, July 16, seeking a legislative inquiry into whether the Manila Bay rehabilitation program was worth public funds and if it has truly contributed to flooding.

This comes after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) said on Wednesday that the construction of the dolomite beach was among the factors blocking major drainage outfalls in Manila, particularly in Faura, Remedios and Estero de San Antonio Abad.

During the closure of these drainage outfalls, wastewater was reportedly redirected to a sewerage treatment plant that couldn't handle the volume during heavy downpours.

The DENR, however, only issued a general statement in response to the MMDA's assessment on the causes of flooding in Manila.