Detained senator Leila De Lima calls for Senate probe into Manila Bay white sand makeover project.

DETAINED Senator Leila De Lima has called for a Senate investigation on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) 389 million peso (RM33.4mil) Manila Bay “beach nourishment project”.

In a statement issued yesterday, De Lima filed Senate Resolution 532, which calls on the appropriate Senate committee to conduct the probe.

The opposition senator said that the budget for the project could have been used to feed 5.2 million hungry families, or help boost the government’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response.

The project, which includes dumping crushed dolomite into the bay’s shoreline, has drawn flak from environmental groups and experts, saying it poses harmful impacts.

Political party Akbayan has petitioned the Supreme Court to cite DENR for contempt for dumping the dolomite on Manila Bay’s 500m stretch.

De Lima also slammed presidential spokesman Harry Roque after he said that the “white sand” in Manila Bay will be good for everyone’s mental health.

“Contrary to presidential spokesperson Roque’s claims that the ‘white sand’ makeover will give immeasurable benefit to Filipinos’ mental health, this 389 million peso band-aid project has indeed brought more harm than good,” De Lima said.

“The makeover of Manila Bay shows that this administration’s priorities lean towards cosmetic beautification rather than health, economic aid, or education. Now is the opportune time to conduct this investigation as we are nearing fiscal year 2021 deliberations in Congress,” she added.

The senator also said that DENR officials must be held accountable for non-compliance with several laws, such as, the Wildlife Conservation Act and Presidential Decree 1586.