Roque says EO to address Boracay problems forthcoming

January 21, 2018

Malacanang has assured that an executive order to protect Boracay Island, a famous tourist destination in the country, is forthcoming.

During a press briefing in Aklan on Saturday, Roque said the drafting of an EO was already discussed in a meeting.

However, he said the proposed EO was yet to be presented in a Cabinet meeting.

"It's forthcoming...the next Cabinet meeting will be on February 5. But I'm not sure if it is included in the agenda. But there is drafting of an executive order for Boracay," he said.

Last January 9, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu conducted an ocular inspection in Boracay to address issues of congestion, water pollution, and overdevelopment. They promised to form a task force that will handle the problem in the island.

The two Cabinet officials said a draft EO would be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte to address all the serious problems in Boracay.

Despite drafting of an EO, Roque said the Duterte administration recognizes the autonomy of the local government of Aklan, as well as its Malay town where Boracay is located, in sustaining the island. Ella Dionisio/DMS