The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) has issued a stern warning against non-compliant Boracay establishments to refrain from accepting bookings and conducting online promotions.
“We are strongly advising non-compliant establishments to delete or put on-hold all online promotions and related collaterals until compliance with the government regulations shall have been accomplished,” a public advisory from the task force said.
Non-compliant establishments, which will continue to solicit and accept booking reservations, may be subject to civil liabilities for their actions are considered deceptive, it added.
“Non-compliant establishments, which will continue to solicit and accept booking reservations, may be subject to civil liabilities for their actions are considered deceptive.”
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat said only 68 establishments have complied with the requirements set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“Tourists can only book with these 68 compliant establishments,” said Puyat during a press conference in Boracay.
The tourism chief said the number of accredited establishments is still expected to increase days before the reopening of the island resort on October 26.
Puyat likewise urged the public to avoid transacting with Boracay establishments that have yet to secure necessary clearances, permits and/or accreditation from the DOT.
Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said the Boracay inter-agency task force will also go after establishments that have falsified documents just to get accreditation.
Cimatu said an employee of a Boracay establishment has already been caught falsifying a certification from the DENR to get accreditation.
“We will file charges against the person who falsified the documents,” the environment chief said.
Cimatu said establishments that will be allowed to open will be strictly monitored by the DENR as well as the number of rooms allowed to operate for every compliant establishment.
“Establishments that will be allowed to open will be strictly monitored by the DENR and the number of rooms allowed to operate for every compliant establishment.”
