DENR fines Boracay violators

MANILA, Philippines — Over 200 business establishments in Boracay Island have been ordered to pay a total of P43 million in fines for the violation of various environmental laws.

The Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has fined 209 business establishments in Boracay a total of P43 million for violation of certain environmental laws.

PAB, a quasi-judicial body tasked with adjudicating cases brought by DENR’s regional offices against violators of environmental laws and regulations, slapped the erring establishments with fines ranging from P10,000 to millions of pesos depending on the length of time and gravity of offences.

Of the 209 establishments fined, five establishments were fined a total of P39 million for discharging untreated wastewater and exceeded effluent standards under the clean water law.

Another 72 establishments were fined a total of P2 million for operating facilities that discharge regulated water pollutants without a valid discharge permit.

About 110 were found to have violated the requirement to secure a permit to operate all sources of air pollution from the EMB.  Their imposed fines totalled P1.5 million. Another 22 were  fined a total of P900,000 for other violations.

DENR Undersecretary and PAB presiding officer Rodolfo Garcia said penalty notices had already been sent to the business owners who are under obligation to pay the fines.

He said that only those who settled the penalties would be allowed to process their permits to operate and discharge permits provided they have not committed other violations.

“The DENR, together with other concerned government agencies, is firm in its resolve to clean not only the waters and air of Boracay, but also manage its solid waste. It also wants to clear Boracay of irresponsible and greedy business people who have placed care for the environment as their least priority,” Garcia said.

All erring establishments were issued notices of violation by the EMB Region 6 soon after Boracay was closed to tourists in April for a six-month rehabilitation from serious environmental damage.

The PAB is mandated to assess fines and issue cease and desist orders to polluting establishments, and specify compliance with the standards violated. DENR regional offices are responsible for implementing PAB’s orders.