Senate probe on Boracay eco issues set

The Senate will look into pollution and environment issues gripping world renowned Boracay Island next week.

The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, headed by Sen. Cynthia Villar, together with the Committees on Tourism and Finance, are set to hold a joint hearing on the world-famous island in Malay, Aklan on March 2.

Prior to the hearing, senators will conduct an ocular inspection on some areas of the island to see for themselves the extent of the reported pollution and contamination of its waters.

The Senate inquiry, in aid of legislation, will look into, among others, the severe pollution in Boracay and ways promote sustainable development.

The probe will also review the compliance of resorts and establishments to existing environment and tourism laws.

Pollution and degradation of other beach destinations in the country will also be discussed in the hearing.

Boracay recently made headlines when President Duterte threatened to shut down the famed tourist destination due to violations of environmental laws. ECC applications Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva has also filed a resolution seeking the review of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) policy in approving and monitoring the applications of Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) of establishments.

In his Senate Resolution No. 646, Villanueva cited the need for the review to ensure that the ECCs being issued by the DENR to any activity would guarantee the prevention of environmental damage and would aggravate the impact of climate change.

He further called on the DENR to upgrade the process of environmental assessment and issuance of ECC.

“Businesses and industries should account for the possible impact of their operations in aggravating the impact of climate change. Our regulatory agencies should also improve their capacity in monitoring compliance and enforcement of environmental policies,” Villanueva said.

Eco violations The DENR has issued notices of violation to 51 establishments in Boracay Island violating the Clean Water Act of 2004, which mandates all commercial and residential establishments dispose septic waste through a treatment facility.

Some 300 establishments in Boracay Island are also being investigated by the DENR for possible violations.

Furthermore, the DENR is set to serve 174 show-cause orders to illegal forest occupants who have encroached on the island’s timberland areas.