Non-compliant Boracay resort demolished

MANILA, Philippines — The government has demolished a beach resort in Boracay for violating the 30-meter easement rule.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force carried out the demolition work of structures at the Boracay Plaza resort after the deadline given to establishments that enroached on the shoreline easement zone expired on March 4.

“Erring establishments were given more than enough time to shape up since the closure (of Boracay). It would be unfair to those who voluntarily demolished and complied with the easement rule if we will not enforce the law to those who did not,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

Boracay Plaza was also found to be operating without the required permits. The task force issued three orders to vacate and demolish the structures at the resort since April 26 last year.

Existing laws and regulations set the coastal easement on the island at 30 meters and the road easement at six meters from the center of the road.

Nine other establishments  in the area – Blue Lilly Hotel, Calveston International Inc., Exclusive Dawn VIP Boracay resort, Little Prairie Inn, New Wave Divers, Steve’s Cliff/Boracay Terraces resort, True Homes, Watercolors Dive shop and Willy’s Rock resort – had voluntarily demolished their structures.

With the demolitions, the task force said establishments are fully compliant with the 30-meter beach easement rule.