The House of Representatives is set to begin its investigation into the controversial “Dolomite Beach” project along Manila Bay this November, according to House Committee on Public Accounts chairperson and Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon.
During a press conference on Wednesday, October 29, Ridon said the committee will issue invitations once sessions resume to officially start the hearings on the matter.
“Very important ho ‘yung dolomite project hearing po na ito kasi siyempre, it’s a question of overpricing, which is basically the question that we have today, of corruption in all infrastructure projects,” Ridon explained.
He added, “Secondly, it’s also a question of, mahalaga ba o importante ba, or kailangan ba ‘yung ganito pong mga proyekto.”
The ₱389-million Dolomite Beach project, implemented in 2020 under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Ridon clarified that the probe is not an attack on the Duterte administration, but falls within the 10-year review scope of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
“Was the dolomite beach project actually necessary, particularly because it was never part of the NEDA Masterplan for Manila Bay rehabilitation?” the lawmaker asked.
The upcoming inquiry will seek to determine whether the project’s costs were justified and whether its implementation served any substantial environmental or public benefit, amid ongoing concerns about government transparency and infrastructure spending.