Palace leaves DENR’s fate to DILG over dolomite beach crowding

MANILA – The possible filing of cases against the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the supposed breach of health protocols following the opening of Manila Bay dolomite beach is up to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Malacañang said Tuesday.

This, after Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso challenged the government to press charges against the DENR for the reopening of the man-made beach at the Manila Bay that led to the sudden influx of visitors over the weekend.

Domagoso made the call, saying the overcrowding at the dolomite beach in the country’s metropolis “can be super spreader”.

Sought for reaction, Roque said the Palace would leave the issue to the DILG.

“Hinahayaan na po namin iyan sa DILG at sa ating kapulisan, kasama na po ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Maynila (We are leaving it to the DILG, the police force and the local government of Manila),” he said.

People have flocked to the Manila Bay dolomite beach in Manila since it was reopened to the public on Oct. 16.

On Monday, the Department of Health raised alarm over the failure of visitors, which include children, to observe the existing health protocols amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The overcrowding also prompted the DENR to prohibit children aged 12 and below from visiting the dolomite beach.

Roque also advised parents or guardians to avoid bringing children to crowded places.

“As a general rule, stay home pa rin po ang mga bata habang hindi sila bakunado. Pero may exception naman po yun. Puwede po silang lumabas for exercise, puwede po silang lumabas for open areas at importante din po iyan sa mental health. Siguro, dapat nating i-emphasize na hindi pa rin dapat ibiyahe ang mga bata doon sa mga site na ganito (As a general rule, unvaccinated children must stay home. But there’s an exception. They can go out to exercise and visit open areas because that’s good for their mental health. Perhaps, we have to emphasize that they have to avoid sites like this [dolomite beach]),” he said.

Roque, nevertheless, said the reopening of Manila Bay dolomite beach was meant to promote positive mental health amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Talaga naman pong itinuloy itong proyektong ito dahil importanteng magkaroon naman po ng respite at kaunting libangan (This project was really pursued because it’s important to have a respite and a recreational activity), which is good for the health of everyone, including children,” he said.

The DENR undertook the beach nourishment last year to protect the coastal resources in Manila Bay and prevent coastal flooding, erosion, and pollution.

The agency has also reminded the dolomite beach’s visitors to observe minimum public health standards by wearing face masks, maintaining at least one meter distance from other people, and washing hands frequently.