DILG exec accuses some Boracay businessmen of being ‘greedy’
Boracay Island: overcrowded beaches.
INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) blamed on Saturday the “greedy” establishment owners in Boracay island for the sewage and garbage problem happening in the tourist destination.
Speaking to reporters, DILG Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs Epimaco Densing III appealed to the owners of hotels and other establishment situated in Boracay to cooperate with the plan to close the island from visitors for 60 days.
“To the businessmen in Boracay, nakikiusap na kami sa inyo, milyon at bilyon na ang kinita niyo (we are appealing to you, you’ve already earned millions and billions already),” Densing said during a forum at Annabel’s restaurant in Quezon City.
“This may be sound corny but, we appeal of your love to the country. Kaya nagkaganyan ang (that’s why it happened to) Boracay because you’re very greedy,” he added.
According to Densing, officials of West Cove hotel even harassed the DILG officials when they tried to dismantle some structures seriously affecting the natural environment in Boracay.
He then tagged the owners in the area as “oligarchs” and “bullies” and not business owners for displaying defiance and arrogance.
“Stop the bullying. These businessmen are bullies, these are oligarchs!” Densing said.
“Ano ba naman yung 60 days? Hindi namin sinabi na isasara, 60 days lang po kung saka-sakali, calendar days pa ‘yan, para maglinis.”
(What is 60 days? We are not saying of complete shutdown, only 60 days, and that is calendar days, to clean up.)
“Ano ba naman yung 60 days? Hindi naman mauubos yung pera niyo eh (Your earning will not run out),” he added.
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