By Ric Obedencio
Beach resorts in Panglao are still hard put against the mandated 20-meter public access zone.
For years now, officials are fighting tooth and nail to get rid of the permanent structures that hinder the 20-meter salvage zone along almost all shorelines on this island as sanctioned by national law to provide public access.
But for Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala it's about time to eject those eyesore-structures along the prohibited 20-meter zone no matter who gets hurt. But in so doing he got the ire of the resort owners/operators and now is facing several cases filed against him for his action.
What makes him worry is that it's burdening him due to legal battles that cost him a lot. That's why he called on generous souls to support him in his fight during the forum on Bohol Marine Triangle (BMT) held last week at the top of Bohol Plaza Resort in this town.
The issue (of 20-m zone) worsened when some Panglao officials are they themselves the lawbreakers apparently because they have their own structures within the prescribed zone.
Stakeholders including resort owners/operators, non-government organizations (NGOs) public officials led by Gov. Erico B. Aumentado and Cong. Edgar M. Chatto and representatives of various national government agencies and law enforcers who attended the two-day forum did not finger-point who to blame in the proliferation of the permanent structures even as this occurred during the reign of Alcala as mayor for more than ten years.
Officer-in-charge Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Nestro Canda confirmed several resorts remained stubborn to give way for the 20-meter zone but some started to realize it is needed.
For his part, Dauis municipal councilor Pedro Honculada told the forum that Dauis still facing the same dilemma. He cited as an example the man-made islet of plush resort allegedly constructed without the benefit of consultation with the local officials, wondering how come it secured an Environmental Clearance Certificate from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
He said that despite the fact that the municipal council has resolved to call the attention of the DENR to dismantle the man-made islet of the said resort reportedly where Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently visited.
Canda said in an interview he will make an update and determine those who still breach with the 20-m salvage zone law for possible publication.
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