THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Monday that 219 business establishments in Boracay have been fined a total of P43 million for violating environmental laws after the tourist island was reopened last Friday, Oct. 26, following a six-month rehabilitation.
Violations include not having a permit to operate from the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) and discharging untreated wastewater. Penalties range from P10,000 to millions of pesos depending on the length of time and gravity of offenses.
“The DENR, together with other concerned government agencies, is firm in its resolve to clean not only the waters and air of Boracay and to manage its solid waste. It also wants to clear Boracay of irresponsible and greedy business people who have placed care for the environment their least priority,” DENR Undersecretary Rodolfo C. Garcia said in a statement.
“We will continue to monitor all establishments and impose the necessary penalties should they be found breaking laws,” according to Mr. Garcia. — R.J.N. Ignacio

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