Gov. Arthur Yap says he is leaving things to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to pursue cases against two (2) resorts located in Panglao town.
He made the statement during the regular press conference on Sept. 11, 2020 at the Capitol.
This was the governor’s reaction following the reports that the DENR reportedly sent out notices to these two (2) high-end hotel-resorts for allegedly violating environmental laws Panglao.
According to reports, the two (2) resorts that were chided by the DENR for alleged violations are Modala Resort in barangay Doljo and BE Grand in barangay Danao, all in Panglao town.
The same reports say DENR regional director Lormelyn Claudio, issued Notices of Violation to the resort managements, dated July 30, 2020.
The governor said that he is leaving to the DENR the filing of the case against the resorts-hotels that have allegedly violated environmental laws.
Moreover, he said that the information about the alleged environmental law violations of the two (2) resorts was discussed during the meeting of the Panglao Island Sustainable Tourism Board (PISTB).
Reports add that Modala allegedly violated section 9 of Presidential Decree No. 1586 or the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) law.
The reports mention that the resort allegedly violated other laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Control Toxic and Hazardous Substances Act.
On the other hand, the DENR said it has found BE Grand resort not complying with ECC conditions and allegedly undertaking projects without applying for an ECC. The resort is being accused of discharging waste water allegedly without a discharge permit.
A report says that the Modala management already met with the DENR and the local government unit of Panglao. about what it calls as a “minor concern”.
The Bohol Tribune has yet to contact BE Grand resort management for comment.