The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has come under increasing pressure to revisit its controversial P400-million “white-sand” project in Manila Bay, with critics citing economic, health and legal implications. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday advised DENR officials to ensure that the project will last, while a civilian watchdog called out the department for allegedly violating its rules in exempting the project from obtaining an environmental compliance certificate. Sen. Nancy Binay sought the project’s suspension on questions raised about health hazards from using dolomite—crushed rocks that mimic sand—while Sen. Risa Hontiveros was dismayed by the ill timing of the project amid the pandemic.

Fernandez, B., & Mayuga, J. (2020, September 8). Health, legal, economic issues bug DENR's Manila Bay 'white sand'. Business Mirror, pp. A1, A2.