MANILA, Philippines – Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte wants local government units held liable for the environmental damage in Boracay.
"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 in a press briefing.
Roque, however, said the president would still wait for the recommended course of action of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources before issuing an order. The agency was earlier given 60 days to make a recommendation on the problems in the island, particularly in sewage.
Two proposals were earlier issued to address the sewage problems in Boracay. These include Department of Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año’s proposal to place the island under a state of calamity or declare a 60-day closure to address the island's problems.
Año also previously said he would punish those responsible for environmental damage on the island.
Roque clarified that the president never mentioned the closure of Boracay during the Cabinet meeting despite floating the idea in speeches. Roque said Duterte just asked the DENR to make recommendations within two months.
The spokesman also said Duterte’s directive is to remind LGUs to safeguard the environment. LGUs are directed to have close coordination with the DENR to specify what they should be enforcing within their jurisdictions.
In mid-February, Duterte threatened to shut down the famous tourist destination, saying it had become a cesspool.
The Department of Tourism said a number of senators are scheduled to conduct visit the island on March 2. Reports said the Senate would also hold an inquiry regarding the issues of Boracay on the same date.
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