Lucio Tan offers to build Boracay drainage system

MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Lucio Tan has offered to build the second drainage system of Boracay island, which is set to undergo rehabilitation because of its environmental woes, Malacañang said.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Tan, whose company Boracay Tubi System Inc. supplies water in the island, has sent a letter to the government expressing his intention to undertake the project. 

“Two days ago, Lucio Tan sent a letter. He has the Boracay Tubi there. He supplies water there, but he has no sewerage system. He said he wants to build the drainage (system),” Roque said in his dzMM program aired last Sunday.

“The water from the drainage would go to the waste water treatment. That means, the rain water or the discharges can be treated and won’t go directly to the sea,” he added. 

Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said his agency has asked Tan to provide details of his proposed project. He said the first drainage system in the world-famous tourist spot was built by water supplier Boracay Island Water Co. Inc. but it can only be used for rain water. 

Duterte has threatened to close Boracay, which he described as a “cesspool” because of the lack of sewerage system. He has also threatened to file cases against local executives who did not do anything to solve the island’s problems. 

The environment, interior and local government and tourism departments have recommended a one-year closure of the island to solve its environmental issues. 

Roque, however, said the island would remain open during the summer season.