Charles Teves
Professor and political analyst Antonio P. Contreras can’t help but make fun of how diehard Duterte supporters (DDS) think about social issues.
The DDS are in constant pursuit of belittling critics of the current administration, especially those whom they identify as ‘dilawan’, supporters of the Liberal Party of the Philippines.
Recently, the Duterte administration was criticized after artificial white sand, made from crushed dolomite, was used to cover a huge portion of Manila Bay.
The project has a budget of P390 million, which many say could’ve been used to improve the COVID-19 response in the country, including Vice President Leni Robredo, who called it “insensitive.”
Contreras, in one of his latest Facebook posts, said: “Porke ayaw sa buhangin, gusto na ng basura? Only a DDS can think this way.”`
The DDS have defended the project, pointing out that previous presidents failed in rehabilitating Manila Bay.
https://www.facebook.com/1658231410/posts/10215299729000663/
The Department of Health previously announced that crushed dolomite, when inhaled, can cause eye irritation and respiratory problems.
When ingested, gastrointestinal illnesses, stomach aches, and diarrhea may occur.
“Mayroon pong mga sinasabi sa mga pagaaral na kapag na-inhale natin ito, ng mga tao, may mga adverse reactions—sa respiratory mainly,” Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media forum.
“These are minor effects ng dolomite na nilagay doon sa Manila Bay,” she added.
Contreras also shared a photo which pretty much sums up how the DDS defended the controversial project.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215300223813033&set=a.2275554542514&type=3&theater
Disaster scientist Mahar Lagmay predicts “that all that white sand will be washed out from the coastline and brought to the bottom of deeper water.”
I predict that all that white sand will be washed out from the coastline and brought to the bottom of deeper water. https://t.co/WhFsqctAow
— Mahar Lagmay (@nababaha) September 3, 2020
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday said that the project will come to a halt in the event the DOH can prove that the fake sand can cause numerous health problems.
“I don’t think [the dolomites are harmful] based on the presentation of Secretary Cimatu. Of course, there will be more discussions on this but based on what we’ve learned na talagang hindi na siya harmful but I leave it to the experts and we’ll have more discussions on this,” Año told CNN.
“We would like to get the side of DOH, kung ma-po-prove nila na harmful ito at kung talagang maging harmful pa talaga yan, we can put a stop. But for now, I am inclined to support the DENR (Department of the Environment and Natural Resources) under Secretary Cimatu,” he added.
