The House of Representatives is set to launch an inquiry into the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach project, with the first hearing scheduled for November 17, House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Rep. Terry Ridon of the Bicol Saro Partylist announced.

According to RH Milky Rigonan, the investigation aims to determine whether the controversial project contributed to severe flooding in parts of Manila, particularly in the Ermita and Malate districts.

During the initial hearing, Ridon said the committee will assess the project’s significance within the framework of the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and the Supreme Court’s continuing mandate for Manila Bay’s rehabilitation.

The inquiry will examine the project’s impact on major drainage systems, including the Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad outfalls, and whether deficiencies in the project’s engineering contributed to the recent floods.

“Specifically, it [the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach Project] caused the blockage of three major drainage outfalls—Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad—forcing rainwater to be rerouted through a sewage treatment plant incapable of handling flood volumes during heavy rains,” Ridon said to reporters.

The hearing also seeks to explore alternative interventions for effective cleanup, rehabilitation, and preservation of Manila Bay.

Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Economy, Planning and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Local Government of Manila are expected to testify during the proceedings.