Chinese, Korean businesses in Boracay ordered closed

MANILA, Philippines — At least 10 establishments in Boracay owned or managed by Chinese and South Korean citizens have been ordered closed for operating without the necessary permits.

The Boracay Interagency Task Force, through the Malay local government, padlocked Bella’s Bar and Restaurant, Old Captain Cuisine, Ken Minimart, Ken St., Island Staff Restaurant, Coco Spa, Kim Ji Man, W Hostel Boracay Dragon, VIP Souvenir Shop and YH World Network Service Inc. that were among the 49 establishments inspected from May 7 to 9.

“I once said that Boracay will never be a cesspool again... We need the support and cooperation of everyone to sustain our gains... from the massive rehabilitation... of the island,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

Natividad Bernardino, Boracay Interagency Rehabilitation Group general manager, said the crackdown on erring establishments was ordered amid reports that Chinese businesses have proliferated on the island, with signages and menus written only in Chinese characters and catering exclusively to Chinese tourists.

“It was also observed that there is an increasing number of Chinese and Korean citizens working as tour guides, chefs and restaurant staff,” Bernardino said.

An ad hoc committee was created last month to inspect establishments run by foreigners and determine if there are foreigners staying and working in Boracay without work permits and visas.

The list of non-compliant foreign-owned businesses was endorsed by Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing to Malay Mayor Abram Sualog for closure.

 “We cannot allow flagrant violation by foreign citizens of our country’s laws and regulations, especially on the island, which we have painstakingly rehabilitated,” Densing said.

Data showed that Chinese and Korean tourists account for 56 and 37 percent, respectively, of the total number of foreigners who entered the country in the first quarter of the year.