Lucio Tan offers to build 2nd drainage system in Boracay

Business tycoon Lucio Tan has offered to build a second drainage system in the island of Boracay, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has said.

According to Roque, Tan has sent a letter to the concerned agencies regarding his proposal.

“Noong dalawang araw na nakakalipas pa lamang, may isang letter galing po kay Lucio Tan, dahil meron naman siyang Boracay 2B doon. Nagsu-supply siya ng tubig pero wala siyang sewerage system. Ang sabi niya siya ang gagawa ng drainage,” Roque said in an interview with DZMM on Sunday.

Roque said Tan’s proposed drainage system would also connect to a wastewater treatment.

“At yung drainage naman pupunta siya sa wastewater treatment. So ibig sabihin, tubig ulan, discharge ng kung kani-kanino, mate-treat na siya, hindi na deretso sa lawa ang labas,” the Palace official noted.

Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said they have already asked Tan to provide them more details about his proposal.

Aside from the Boracay Island Water Company, Inc., Tan also supplies water to the island through Boracay 2B.

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier likened the world-famous tourist to a “cesspool,” prompting the creation of an inter-agency task force for the rehabilitation of the island.

A government panel, comprising of the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, and Tourism, has recommended the total closure of the world-renowned tropical island for six months beginning April 26.

READ: Gov’t panel recommends 6-month total closure of Boracay from April 26

The recommendation is subject to Mr. Duterte’s approval.

Previously, Tan had earned the ire of Duterte over the P6 billion tax liabilities of Philippine Airlines (PAL), owned by the business magnate.

READ: Duterte to Lucio Tan: Pay PAL arrears or I’ll shut down Naia Terminal 2

Tan has since settled PAL’s liabilities.

Duterte late cleared the businessman for the tax liabilities, and even said he would “forever shut up” on the matter.

READ: Duterte to Lucio Tan: ‘I’m going to forever shut up’ on past tax liabilities

Duterte’s remarks came after Tan offered an additional plane to fly home repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFW) from Kuwait.                      /kga