Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to clarify the possible health risks that crushed dolomite rocks can pose to humans.
This after Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the synthetic white sand, dumped on Manila Bay in a bid to improve its appearance, can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, as well as eye irritations.
In his letter dated September 7, Domagoso said he is seeking clarification on the issue to ensure the safety of the city's residents.
"Pursuant to the faithful discharge of my duty to promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology and preserve the comfort and convenience of the city inhabitants, may we seek your clarification on this declaration of Usec. Vergeire to make sure that the health, comfort and convenience of the city inhabitants and other neighboring local government units are properly taken care of," he wrote.
Earlier, the Manila mayor said he supports the DENR in the project, saying that the department would know better if the materials that they are using are harmful to people and the environment.
DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the project is for people, who have never visited white sand beaches in the country, to have a similar experience in the middle of the capital city.
Several environmental groups and government officials have been opposing the use of the synthetic white sand along Manila Bay, saying that it could harm the natural ecosystem and coastal integrity of the area.
Others accused DENR of focusing on the aesthetic improvement of Manila Bay instead of its problems of environmental degradation.
Vice President Leni Robredo said the project is ill-timed as the country's focus should be battling the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and giving aid to affected individuals.
Meanwhile, Palace Spokesman Harry Roque said the project can help improve the public's mental health amid the COVID-19 crisis.