A group of fishermen and vendors in Panglao, Bohol has accused government environmental agencies of corruption in the collection of tourism fees at Virgin Island, which reopened to visitors on Feb. 3, 2026 with stricter environmental regulations.
Members of the Doljo Panglao fisherfolk and vendors group claim the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) have misappropriated environmental user fees (EUF) collected from tourists visiting the sandbar and surrounding waters.
“Most of our members pay EUF and get no receipt for the fees paid,” said Chris Abellar, a member of the group, adding that the alleged irregularities also extend to docking fees.
Boyet Bongcac, who belongs to the Doljo Fishermen and Vendors Association, said the group was excluded from meetings where new guidelines for the area were established, despite being stakeholders who have operated in the area since 1995.
The vendors have demanded action from DENR regional director Laudemir Salac and threatened to blockade the sandbar to prevent boats from docking if their complaint is not addressed.
Salac had not commented on the allegations as of press time.
The accusations come as Virgin Island, a popular tourist destination known for its white sandbar, has banned commercial activities following its reopening.
The prohibition on selling goods at the site has drawn strong opposition from local fisherfolk who say their operations do not contribute to environmental pollution.
According to the vendors, they were told in meetings in late 2025 that they would be permitted to sell at the sandbar.
They claim their presence attracts tourists and cite survey data showing most visitors support allowing vendors at the location.
The local government of Panglao said the trade ban aims to address past problems including pollution and overpriced seafood.
Officials called the reopening an opportunity for renewed environmental protection efforts and shared responsibility among government, tourists and the community.
BOHOL EYES WHALE SHARK TOURISM RESTART WITHOUT FEEDING
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado said on Feb. 3 that the province is prepared to reopen whale shark watching attractions, but only if operators pledge to eliminate the feeding of marine animals.
Speaking at the Virgin Island reopening ceremony alongside DENR, Department of Tourism and local government officials, Aumentado said the feeding ban is the sole condition for resuming the activity.
“The possibility of whale shark watching attraction will become a reality as long as there is no feeding of marine animals involved,” the governor said.
Environmental experts say feeding marine wildlife can alter natural behavior patterns, create dependence on human-provided food leading to malnutrition, and increase collision risks between animals and boats.
Whale watching sites in the Bohol towns of Dauis, Albur and Lila were closed for violating a provincial ordinance prohibiting marine animal feeding.
The provincial council, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, has been reviewing proposals to reopen the attractions.
The council’s Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources discussed the matter on Feb. 2, according to reports.
A proposed ordinance under consideration would amend existing regulations and establish new rules for sustainable marine wildlife tourism in the province.
Lawyer Gigi Biliran of environmental group Tagbilaran Baywatch expressed support for reopening whale shark tourism without feeding, aligning with the governor’s position.
“The Capitol should have the political will and shy away from pressure calling for the reopening of whale shark watching,” Biliran said, adding that Philippine laws often suffer from poor implementation despite good intentions.
She pointed to dolphin watching, which operates without feeding animals, as a model to emulate.
Under Philippine law, feeding marine animals is prohibited due to issues about behavioral changes and potential harm to wildlife.