ATTY. BENJAMIN C. ABALOS, JR.
I join the public in its profound concern over the establishment of a pool resort within the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
Chocolate Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected area under Proclamation No. 1037, series of 1997 and Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.
Any activity that disturbs or damages protected areas such as the Chocolate Hills, without proper authorization, is prohibited by law.
We will look into the accountability of the local government units (LGUs) concerned.
Should there be neglect of duty or any other irregularity on the part of the officials tasked with protecting and overseeing the area, we will not hesitate to pursue appropriate legal actions.
Local government units are stewards of nature.
Under our Local Government Code, they have the mandate to enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology. If illegal construction was allowed within a protected area, this would...