Press Release
March 19, 2018

In the light of Boracay clean up and closure
NANCY ASKS DENR, DILG EXECS: CAN GALAXY STILL BUILD ON BORACAY?

Can Galaxy build its casino in Boracay despite the impending closure of the island?

This was the question posed by Senator Nancy Binay to executives of the environment and local government departments in light of their recommendation for a one year shutdown of Boracay.

"Sinasabi ng Pagcor na tuloy ang plano ng Galaxy Entertainment Group at ang local partner nitong Leisure and Resorts World na magtayo ng isang $500-million casino complex sa Boracay, kaya kailangan malaman natin kung paano mangyayari ito kung planong isarado ang isla. Marami po tayong tanong na kailangan nilang sagutin," Binay said.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said that they will be signing the contract for Galaxy's provisional license before March ends.

She added that it is the public's right and interest to know how the executive departments would proceed with the group's application for the necessary permits to operate and build on Boracay.

"Karapatan po ng taongbayan na malaman ang status ng Galaxy dahil sinasabi natin na isasarado ang Boracay ngunit nababalita naman na may nakaamba itong construction," Binay said.

The legislator noted that a six-month moratorium for construction will be imposed on the island starting June of this year. The DENR, DILG, and the DOT also recommended a one year closure of the island to give way for its rehabilitation.

"Sinusuportahan po natin ang ginagawa ng DENR, DILG, at DOT lalo na yun indefinite suspension ng issuance ng mga building permits, ang moratorium for construction activitities, ang crackdown ng illegal structures, pati na ang cancellation ng business permits at licences to operate ng mga violators," Binay said.

"Kaya nais po nating malaman kung nasaang stage na ang Galaxy pagdating sa permitting nito patungkol sa construction at operation ng planong casino-resort nito sa Boracay? Kailangan din po malaman ng ating taongbayan kung ano ang development plan ng Galaxy sa proposed site nito sa Boracay," she added.

She specifically wanted to know where Galaxy would build its casino in Boracay, as the island has so many developments currently.

"Maraming areas na po sa Boracay ang developed na, so saan itatayo ng Galaxy ang casino nito? Magdedemolish ba ng mga nakatayo nang structures to give way to Galaxy; or will it build on beach or forested land? Will Galaxy build on a wetland?" Binay said.

The legislator said that the environment department should closely study the plans and the impact of another large-scale infrastructure on the island's land use and environment.

She also called on Boracay stakeholders to closely monitor and participate in Galaxy's permitting process, specifically in the crafting of the environmental impact statement (EIS) and the conduct of the necessary consultations for the issuance of an environmental clearance certificate (ECC).

"While I welcome all developments that will give our countrymen more economic opportunities, pero in the light of the issues hounding Boracay, dapat lamang na maging aktibo tayo upang maiwasan na mangyari ulit ang mga issues na hinaharap ng isla," Binay said.

"I also enjoin Galaxy as well as the DENR and DILG to be transparent in its dealings, especially in its application for permits and licenses. The Senate would also want to be informed of its compliance to existing laws and government issuances," she added.

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