ILOILO CITY, Dec. 16 -- Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda is seeking an immediate and full-blown investigation into the issuance of titles on a mangrove area in three barangays in Iloilo City.

In a privilege speech delivered on Monday evening at the House of Representatives, Baronda said three homestead patents were issued on areas that form an essential component of the Iloilo Flood Control Project - a 50-hectare coastline in Barangays Balabago, Bito-on, and Hinactacan.

"These mangroves are not ornamental, they are not optional, and they are not dispensable. They are a lifeline. For years, the government invested money, labor, and time to grow these mangroves," she said.

Covered by the patents are Lot 1 with OCT No. 202400006 with a...