PRRD declares Boracay ‘closed’ to the rich
The island of Boracay is now “closed to the rich people” amid the ongoing land reform program, President Duterte declared Friday.
The President said he has placed a portion of Boracay under land reform so the island’s natives could finally own properties. The land reform beneficiaries, he said, could sell their lands after 10 years to have a chance to earn millions and improve their lives.
The law prohibits agrarian reform beneficiaries to
transfer awarded land during a 10-year holding period. Only transfers through hereditary succession or to the government or another beneficiary are allowed during the period.
"Wala na kayong makuha diyan sa Boracay na ano. It’s closed to the rich people. What remains there, para sa tao lang,” he said during the peace and order summit for barangay officials in Albay.
"Sinabi ko sa mga natibo, it’s already worth millions. Now, 10 years from now, because you cannot sell it, let your greatgreat-grandchildren enjoy. Para naman ‘yang katribo, kadugo ninyo makahawak ng pera na milyon. And I hope by that time wala na tayo dito sa mundong ito, that will also have a chance to improve their lives," he said.
Duterte said he was not trying to be hero by implementing the land reform program in Boracay. "Hindi ako nagpapahero. It’s not a matter of making myself smell good. I don’t need it. Sinabi ko, I hate it,” he added.
The President distributed agricultural lands last November to indigenous peoples and farmers of Aklan following the reopening of the Boracay. The worldfamous island resort was shut down for six months last year to pave the way for massive rehabilitation amid pollution woes.
Duterte advised the new landowners to cultivate the land and reap the benefits. He said they could sell their properties after the 10-year prohibition to boost their income.
Mariano blamed over slow land conversion
Meanwhile, President Duterte has cleared Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones of accountability and instead blamed his predecessor, former Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano for the slow pace of land conversion cases in the country.
The President, upset with the delays in the processing of land conversion applications due to red tape and corruption, said Castriciones was not at fault since he was only appointed last year.
"Meron balita diyan nag-walkout ako. Kasi may mga dumating sa aking reklamo. Sabi, pending diyan sa conversion sa DAR. Hindi kasalanan – bago lang ito si Castriciones, eh. ‘Yung si Mariano. Two years na [There was news about my walkout because a complaint reached my desk. It has been pending in the DAR conversion office for two years. It was not the fault of, Castriciones is just new. It was Mariano]," he said during the peace and order summit for barangay officials in Albay, confirming reports that he walked out of the Cabinet meeting Wednesday.
Also during the said Cabinet meeting, the President said he was dismayed to find out that a project has been pending before the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for 25 years.
He said when officials presented the long list of requirements needed for land conversion, he decided to leave the Cabinet meeting and let Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea preside.
"Sabi ko kay Medialdea, sila kahapon, kayo na lang magusap diyan [I told Medialdea talk among yourselves] because the way that you are presenting a graft-free rules and regulations, it ain’t nothing but crafted really, not by them, itong sabi kong gobyerno na wala itong katapusan,” an exasperated Duterte said.
"Even if we elect five leaders or five – one guy and let him handle government for five terms, wala talagang mangyari [nothing will happen]," he said.
Duterte said he asked Castriciones for an update of the requirements for land conversion. The list includes several clearances from NEDA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, other agencies and concerned local government unit. "Dalawang pages puro clearance [Two pages all seeking clearances]," he lamented.
He maintained that corruption must be eradicated to help promote the country's progress. "This country can hardly move if there is no law and order. Second, this country will be lost if graft and corruption will continue," he said.