By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate has commenced its investigation into the controversial resort constructed within the protected area of Chocolate Hills, Senator Raffy Tulfo revealed on Monday (18 March 2024).
“We are already looking into that,” Tulfo informed reporters.
Previously, Senators Nancy Binay and Cynthia Villar had expressed interest in conducting an ocular inspection in Bohol.
Tulfo also revealed the presence of infrastructures in Mt. Apo in Davao.
“We have discovered another one. Not only in Bohol but also in Mt. Apo in Davao. The situation is similar, with various structures mushrooming within the buffer zone, resembling mushrooms, different business establishments that should not be there because it’s a protected area,” he added.
The senator further stated that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) admitted to granting a two-year grace period for illegally constructed establishments to vacate the area.
“They allegedly gave a two-year grace period to some of those illegally erected structures to dismantle,” Tulfo said.
“In the first place, why were they allowed? They shouldn’t have been built. Now that they’re there, conducting business, harming the environment, you’re giving them two years; closure should be immediate,” the senator emphasized.
(el Amigo/MNM)