Former Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay lambasted the government anew on the recent dumping of crushed dolomite rocks on the Manila Bay coast even as the country faces problems brought about by surging coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
"With thousands infected and dying from COVID-19, and over four million out of work and needing ayuda, the government is wasting millions on a fake dolomite 'beach'," Binay said in a tweet on Thursday, April15.
Binay said this move shows that the government has lost not only its sense of "compassion" but also its "priorities" including its "common sense".
On Wednesday (April 14), a fresh batch of crushed dolomite rocks was once again seen being dumped on the Manila Bay a few months after various environmental groups have expressed their disapproval of the project.
Not only did the project draw flak for environmental concerns, but it was also questioned for the timing of its launch which was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic where priority and focus should be on curbing the spread of the virus and its effects on the workforce.
Despite the backlash and mounting criticisms, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) pushed through with its controversial P389 million "white sand" beach project.
DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said the dolomite beach will not cause health and environmental hazards.
The crushed dolomite was also said to be easily washed out by storm surges but DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda refuted claims that the white sand was washed out and said that what happened was a wash in.
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