President Rodrigo Duterte might finally decide on the fate of world renowned island-resort Boracay during the next Cabinet meeting set on Wednesday, a senior Palace official said.
Senior Deputy Exec. Sec. Menardo Guevarra said on Tuesday that the inter-agency panel composed of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Tourism (DOT), had already submitted a detailed memorandum recommending the six-month closure of Boracay starting April 26.
“Yes, submitted na. May Cabinet meeting bukas, baka ma-take up doon ang final action on Boracay,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters.
(Yes, it has been submitted. The final action on Boracay may be taken up in the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.)
Guevarra said on Monday that Malacañang had asked the inter-agency panel to give more details in its recommendation to close down Boracay. The panel initially submitted a “two-paragraph letter of recommendation” to the Palace for Mr. Duterte’s consideration.
According to Guevarra, what the panel gave Malacañang was a “short letter with [a] very short content.”
“The Office of the President through the Executive Secretary’s office have requested the three agencies to submit a more detailed memo on the justification or [if] there is any qualification at all to their recommendation,” Guevarra said.
“I think (the) two-paragraph letter of recommendation… it would appear to be a total ban as recommended. That’s why we are asking for, you know, some qualifications if there are any,” he also said.
READ: Palace asks agencies to submit ‘more detailed memo’ on Boracay shut down
Earlier, Duterte ordered the three agencies to spearhead the clean-up and rehabilitation of the country’s top tourist destination, which he even branded as a “cesspool” for its poor sewage system and environmental problems.
He even warned the courts not to interfere with the planned clean-up of Boracay by issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO). /kga