Senators on Boracay closure: What about the displaced workers?

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers on Thursday said they are concerned about thousands of workers who will be affected by the six-month shutdown of Boracay, saying the government should ensure they get assistance.

In a statement, Sen. Joel Villanueva said that around 36,000 workers could lose their jobs alongside the P56 billion in revenues that will be lost after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered agencies to close down the world-famous tourist destination for rehabilitation starting April 26.

“It is unfortunate that the rehabilitation plan and livelihood investigations for the workers has not been clearly set in motion first before the closure of Boracay,” the chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development said. 

READ: Duterte orders closure of Boracay starting April 26

Sen. Nancy Binay also expressed disappointment at the government’s supposed lack of detailed plans for the workers who would be displaced.

“The goal should be to mitigate the impact brought by job displacements by providing those who are working in the primary, secondary and tertiary economic sectors a clearer plan for them before the proposed shutdown,” she said.

The chair of Senate tourism panel added: “I hope the government will also help those displaced workers get back into employment once everything goes back to normal.”

Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, vice chair of the Senate labor committee, called on the local government and the Department of Labor and Employment to prioritize the affected Boracay workers.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto proposed that environmental, building code violation and health fines be imposed on resorts found to be violating environmental laws "so the collections can finance part of the rehabilitation or can be used for emergency financial assistance to affected workers."

Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said calamity funds would be activated to assist residents whose livelihood will be affected by the shutdown.

Despite proposals to shut the island down, the government still approved plans for the construction of casino facilities by a Chinese and local development company.

READ: What we know so far: Boracay casino projects amid concerns for 'cesspool' island