Cynthia Villar says developments in Boracay project ‘long stopped’

MANILA, Philippines — All developments in Costa Vista, a project of Villar-led Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., “have long been stopped,” Sen. Cynthia Villar maintained Friday.

Villar issued this statement as a response to accusations floating on social media that a mountain located in Boracay is being leveled amid the island’s closure for rehabilitation to pave way for her family’s development project.

The senator—who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, which earlier conducted a probe into Boracay’s environmental problems—said she is committed to the efforts to rehabilitate Boracay.

“My duty to our nation is primary, above and separate from my family’s business interests,” Villar, who remains the wealthiest senator, said.

Her husband, former Sen. Manny Villar, chairs Vista Land & Landscapes Inc.

WATCH: Mountain being flattened in Boracay village amid rehabilitation

In an e-mail, Vista Land chief legal counsel Ma. Nalen Rosero said the photos and video supposedly showing excavation work on a mountain in Barangay Yapak, Boracay are not of its Costa Vista Boracay project.

“As early as February this year, we have slowed down our development works and have accordingly reduced the number of equipment and workers in the area.”

No new construction is allowed on the island during the six-month closure of the world-famous tourist destination for environmental rehabilitation. 

Costa Vista Boracay was described as a project that would include six residential towers, private villas, hotel, a pavilion with viewing deck, pool, convention center and a commercial quarter.

READ: Vista Land: Viral 'Boracay mountain' photos not from our project