MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday threatened to file charges against officials of the world-famous tourist desination Boracay, which he has described as a "cesspool."
Duterte said the officials created a "disaster" on the island because they allowed the building of structures without a proper sewerage system. Because of the absence of a sewerage system, water flushed from hotel bathrooms go directly to the sea, he added.
"I will charge you for serious neglect of duty for making Boracay a fishpond or a sewer pool. Kayo ‘yan diyan (You are responsible)," the president said.
"When you look at Boracay, it looks good from the distance. You swim in Boracay and you stink with s***... The tourists, once they return, they will contract dysentery," he added.
Duterte said he is leaving it to Environment secretary Roy Cimatu to deal with the issues hounding the island, which lures in about two million tourists a year.
"It is Cimatu alone who will decide. If he thinks that he has to destroy there, he has to destroy you. He has my complete trust and confidence," the president said.
Duterte, who previously threatened to close down the island, said he does not care if the business establishments in Boracay generate billions in revenues.
"You know I don’t give a s*** kasi either they clean it up or I will close it permanently," he said.
"You know the local governments, the people there, I’m addressing myself now to the (officials of) Boracay, you allowed these things, the building of structures overlapping the coastline," he added.
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