MANILA — The House of Representatives will launch an investigation into the environmental effects and potential contribution to flooding of the dolomite beach along Manila Bay, with hearings scheduled to begin on November 17.

Public Accounts Committee Chair Rep. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list) said the probe will start with a review of the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and the 2008 Supreme Court order mandating the cleanup and rehabilitation of the bay.

“The hearing will also examine the project’s flooding impact on adjacent Ermita–Malate areas, including the status of the Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad drainage outfalls and any effects arising from the project’s engineering specifications,” the statement read.

The proposed investigation follows concerns raised by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which attributed severe road flooding during recent tropical cyclones to the dolomite beach blocking major drainage channels.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which oversaw the P400-million Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach opened in 2022, has called for a “scientific analysis” to determine the project’s effect, citing changing weather patterns as a contributing factor.

Ridon said the committee will also consider alternative solutions and interventions to comply with the Supreme Court’s continuing mandate for Manila Bay’s rehabilitation, including efforts to improve water quality for swimming and other recreational activities.

Officials from the DENR, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev), Department of Public Works and Highways, MMDA, and Manila City government are expected to attend the hearings.