Posted on November 10, 2025
House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima has called on the House of Representatives to investigate the Chinese-led dredging and sand extraction activities in San Felipe, Zambales province, citing possible violations of environmental and national security laws.
“We need to probe the legality of these dredging and extraction activities, identify those involved, assess the damage to the environment and the livelihoods of affected residents and communities, and evaluate the threats they pose to our national security,” De Lima said.
The Mamamayang Liberal representative filed House Resolution No. 424 seeking urgent congressional oversight on the participation of foreign contractors in environmentally sensitive projects.
She expressed concern that the dredging operations may have exceeded their declared purposes of flood control and river restoration, resulting in environmental degradation and social harm.
“If the large-scale dredging operations are left unchecked, we would be neglecting the welfare and concerns of our countrymen,” De Lima warned.
