House committee to summon ex-DENR chief Cimatu over dolomite beach project

Former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu is set to be summoned by the House committee on public accounts to shed light on his involvement in the controversial Manila Bay Dolomite Beach project.

Committee chair Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon stated that Cimatu will be questioned about the project's origins and its approval, particularly concerning its deviation from the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and its consistency with the Supreme Court's Continuing Mandamus for the bay's rehabilitation.

The inquiry aims to ascertain the proper utilization of public funds and the project's alignment with the government's overall Manila Bay rehabilitation goals.

Ridon announced that the confirmed date of the inquiry's first hearing will be on November 19, 2025.

As DENR Secretary, Cimatu had ultimate responsibility for the Manila Bay rehabilitation, including the origination and implementation of the project.