The notices, issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), came after President Rodrigo R. Duterte threatened to close down the island, calling it a “cesspool”.
The Philippine government has served notices to 51 businesses on Boracay island for violating environmental laws. They are facing closure if found guilty.
The notices, issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), came after President Rodrigo R. Duterte threatened to close down the island, calling it a “cesspool”.
In his latest tirade on the Boracay environmental row, President Duterte lashed out at local government executives in Boracay and threatened to charge them with “serious neglect of duty” over unabated development on the island.
“I will charge you for serious neglect of duty, making Boracay a fishpond or a sewer pool,” the president said.
DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu was quick to reassure tourists that water quality in the popular beach destination was still “within acceptable standards” for swimming and water sports activities.
Cimatu gave the erring establishments two months to shape up - either by connecting to the island’s sewerage treatment plant or installing their own wastewater treatment facility.
Some hotels and resorts on the island said they were bracing for inquiries from agents and prospective guests in the wake of the controversy.
But bookings for the Chinese New Year week have held up, they said.
Business groups have also raised concerns over threats to shut down the island.
"Closure of the island is not the solution to the problems that have long been existing. What we need is less reaction but more action through strong leadership, stringent implementation of laws, and solid and organised plans based on scientific studies and research," the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said in a statement.
The Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI) said it welcomed President Duterte’s ultimatum but said closing the island was not a solution to the island’s problems.
“BFI is….deeply alarmed about the president’s statement that he will ‘Close Boracay.’ We believe this statement stems from misinformation and unverified data presented to the president,” the group said.
“While, indeed, there are many violators, most of the island’s business establishments are strictly in compliance with prevailing ordinances and regulations. BFI sees it unjust to close the island at the expense of compliant establishments,” BFI added.