Duterte backs 6-month Boracay shutdown

President Duterte is inclined to support the proposed temporary closure of Boracay to pave the way for the rehabilitation of the world famous beach destination.

The President said he would back any recommendation of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer-in-charge Eduardo Año who claimed it would take six months to rehabilitate the island.

“Kagabi sabi niya [Last night he said] Boracay he thinks will take a little bit longer. And I answered him, sabi ko [I said], ‘General, nandiyan ka [you are there] I placed you there, whatever is your decision I will support you. Bahala ka [It’s up to you]. You just make the recommendation and if I find everything that is all right and in consonance with the --- diretso na [go ahead],” Duterte said before the assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines at the Manila Hotel.

“Sabi niya [He said] it will take about something like six months. Sabi ko [I said], ‘then do it.’ Kayo man rin ang nagsira ng Boracay hindi man kami [You destroyed Boracay, not us],” he added.

A government task force has recommended the closure of Boracay for a maximum period of one year to allow the government to implement rehabilitation works on the island amid the environmental degradation.

The recommendation was made by Año, Environment and Natural Resopurces Secretary Roy Cimatu and Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo following the inspection of the island.

The President earlier has threatened to shut down Boracay due to its sewerage and waste management problems.

He also disclosed plans to place Boracay under a state of calamity to ensure the swift release of funds needed for rehabilitation efforts.

Malacañang earlier assured that the proposed closure of Boracay would not be permanent.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said any partial shutdown of Boracay would only be a remedial measure to ensure the protection of the environment and “the jewel that is Boracay, will be shared by the coming generations.”