LGUs could face criminal charges over Boracay mess

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Units (LGUs) may face criminal liability for failing to protect and preserve Boracay Island, President Rodrigo R. Duterte warned. In a media briefing at the Palace on Monday, Feb. 26, Presidential Spokesperson Herminio Harry L. Roque said the President was “emphatic, during the [previous] Cabinet meeting, in reminding the LGUs that they will incur criminal liability for malfeasance and misfeasance for their failure to protect the natural environment in Boracay.” “He said it, he was very emphatic; although he will wait for the recommendations of (Environment) Secretary (Roy A.) Cimatu,” the spokesman added. According to Mr. Roque, the President had given Mr. Cimatu “60 days to come up with recommendations on what to do with Boracay.” “So we have to wait until the expiration of the 60 days. All these recommendations are coming before the expiration of the period,” Mr. Roque said. He likewise stressed that the directive of the President was “to remind the local government units that it was their obligation to safeguard the environment.” —