6-month Boracay shutdown constitutional – Supreme Court

MANILA, Philippines–The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday affirmed the legality of the six-month shutdown of Boracay Island last year.

During Tuesday’s en banc (full court) session, voting 11-2, sources said the High Court dismissed the petition filed by three Boracay residents which sought to nullify President Rodrigo  Duterte’s Proclamation No. 475.

The said proclamation ordered the closure of Boracay to tourists and non-residents for rehabilitation from April 26 to Oct. 25 last year.

Even though the proclamation has already lapsed and Boracay is now open to tourists rendering the proclamation moot and academic, the high court insider said, justices agreed that Duterte’s proclamation is constitutional.

IN FULL FORCE Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (center, in white) joins local and national officials during the official reopening of Boracay Island to tourists last year. – MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

The dismissed petition was filed by three Boracay residents – Mark Anthony Zabal, Thiting Estoso Jacosalem and Odeon Bandiola./gsg