DILG: Cases being drafted vs Boracay violators

MANILA, Philippines — An Interior department official on Thursday said that government lawyers are already drafting possible cases against violators of environmental laws in Boracay.

“Right now, our lawyers are drafting the potential administrative case,” Department of Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III said in a Palace briefing.

Densing said the DILG is done with gathering evidence and is already building cases against those responsible for the environmental damage in Boracay.

The DILG official said they are targeting the filing of cases by April 14, days before the government closes down the resort island.

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Densing said the DILG would look into local officials managing the island and would conduct an audit on all establishments to determine who must be held liable.

CIDG to handle cases vs establishments

For the private sector, Densing said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group would help in investigation to identify if the establishments violated the criminal aspects of solid waste management and clean water. The group would also review the permits to see if they just bribed the government to secure permits.

Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Jonas Leones said violators may face cease and desist orders, but said these would have to go through the proper procedures.

“This is not just cleansing of the island but also cleansing of ranks in the government,” Leones said.

Late February, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte is bent on holding local government units liable for the Boracay mess.

"The president was emphatic during the Cabinet meeting to remind the local government units that they will incur criminal liability for malfeasance and misfeasance for their failure to protect natural environment in Boracay. He said it, he was very emphatic," Roque said.

Roque announced Wednesday night that Boracay will be closed for six months from April 26.