Archdiocese of Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the P300-million white sand project at the Manila Bay is ill-timed because of the pandemic.
"During these times, wherein many are without jobs and have no food to eat, this project amounting to over P300 million just for the 'white sand' appears to be ill-timed," he told church-run Radio Veritas.
"There are many incorrect things with this project, foremost is that it is not attuned with the current predicament of our nation," Pabillo added.
The prelate believes the money allotted for the project should be allocated instead to help those in need.
"If the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has this amount, it would be better if they just help provide jobs and give food to those in need," said Pabillo.
Besides, he said, such beautification may only be temporary as the white sand might erode when a typhoon hits Metro Manila.
"We are not even certain if this white sand will be able to stay there since tons of trash fill up Manila Bay whenever there are typhoons," he said.