Palace warning: Tourist spots should strictly follow environmental laws

Hotels and resorts in Boracay are no longer sure of full bookings by tourists following President Rodrigo Duterte’s remark that the country’s prime tourist destination has become a “cesspool.” (File photo by JILSON SECKLER TIU / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Local government units (LGUs) of other island destinations like El Nido in Palawan should start cleaning up their areas and not wait to be mentioned by President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang Palace said Wednesday. Or else they might suffer the same fate as Boracay.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that LGUs should start strictly enforcing environmental laws as Duterte’s order to clean up the famous island applies to all other tourist destinations in the country.

“The President’s words are clear, although his statements are for Boracay, it’s applicable to all other tourist destinations in the Philippines,” Roque said, speaking in Filipino, in a press briefing in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

“Start Ipatupad ninyo na po ang mga umiiral na mga batas including the setback. Bakbakin ninyo na po ang lahat ng mga istraktura na lumalabag sa setback, dahil baka makasuhan pa ang lokal na pamahalaan ‘pag hindi nila binakbak sa lalong madaling panahon,” he added.

“Start enforcing the laws, including the setback [requirement]. Demolish all the structures that violate the setback because the local government may be slapped with charges if they do not implement it as soon as possible,” he added.

On Tuesday, Duterte said on Tuesday that he would declare a state of calamity over Boracay weeks after ordering the cleanup of the world-famous island in six months.

Duterte also cautioned courts not to interfere in the problem by issuing temporary restraining orders.

“I know it would work [inaudible]. And that is why I will be declaring state of calamity,” Duterte said in a speech during the oath-taking of Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission in Malacañang.

“And I would caution the courts not to interfere by issuing TRO because you would just exacerbate the situation. And the worst, I might not believe you,” he added.

Duterte said that the problem in Boracay is a public health and public safety issue, allowing him to issue such declaration.

READ: Duterte eyes declaring state of calamity in Boracay