No problem with dolomite sand project – Isko

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday said he does not see any problem with the latest dumping of dolomite sand on Manila Bay while the region is battling a surge in COVID-19 cases.

In an interview on CNN Philippines, Moreno was asked about the timing of the resumption of the P389-million Manila Bay beautification project.

“Things must move on the way we wanted…We must continue to move on. The country must move because economically, we’re hurt,” he said.

Moreno said the “white sand beach” project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) could be done simultaneously with the government’s pandemic response.

The DENR has said the dolomite sand project poses no adverse effects on the environment.

“The scientists and the DENR said it is not harmful to the environment so we agree with that,” Moreno said.

Sen. Richard Gordon and former vice president Jejomar Binay Sr. were among those who criticized the resumption of the dolomite sand project.

Instead of pushing through with the project, Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo urged the government to prioritize the distribution of aid to those affected by the pandemic.