LGUs told to enforce environment laws in tourist spots
Local government units (LGUs) with jurisdiction over key tourism destinations around the country should not wait for another “environmental nightmare” before enforcing environmental laws and regulations, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday.
The environmental woes that the world-famous Boracay Island is currently facing were compounded by the neglect of government officials over the years, according to Gatchalian.
“Local executives have the regulatory powers to compel businesses to strictly comply with environmental, building and sanitary requirements. Sadly, the implementation of these regulations was so loose with respect to some businesses in Boracay, which obviously has resulted in this mess,” he said.
He expressed his support for the investigation being conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government to determine the possible liability of local officials for issuing permits to Boracay businesses despite violations of environmental and waste management laws.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has served notices to 51 business establishments on the island for possible violations of Republic Act 9275 or the Clean Water Act.
Describing the tourist spot as a “cesspool” during a forum last Feb. 9, President Duterte warned of shutting down resorts and business establishments on Boracay if its environmental issues were not addressed within six months.
Reports showed that a number of establishments do not have proper sewage and waste management facilities and have resorted to dumping their waste directly into the coastal waters.
“The continuing degradation of popular tourist destinations around the country will cripple our tourism industry and endanger the livelihood of tourism sector workers. LGUs play a critical role in stopping this troubling trend by ensuring that the natural beauty of our pristine islands is maintained and enhanced,” Gatchalian said.
The Senate committee on environment, chaired by Sen. Cynthia Villar, is scheduled to hold a hearing this week on the environmental degradation of Boracay.