Boracay, a resort island in Western Visayas
MANILA, Philippines — Two island workers filed before the Supreme Court Wednesday a petition seeking to stop the impending closure of Boracay Island on April 26.
Represented by the National Union of People’s Lawyers, the workers filed a petition for prohibition and mandamus against President Rodrigo Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and DILG Secretary Eduardo Año.
“We are requesting the status quo ante order in order to restore the condition prior to the closure,” NUPL-Panay’s legal counsel Atty Angelo Karlo Guillen said.
The petitioners argued that tourists will be deprived of their rights to travel as well as the residents of their rights to enter Boracay. They also claim that prohibition to enter the island may only be applied on the condition of threat to national security, public safety, and public health. They express particular concern on the welfare of workers in the island who will be losing their jobs once the closure pushes through.
“It violates the right to due process of all those persons who are earning a living in Boracay island,” Guillen said.
NUPL requested the anonymity of the petitioners for security reasons. They are confident that the Highest Court will take their side on the issue.
“Absolutely No Merit”
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Malacañang sees the petition as “absolutely no merit for any private party to restrain the closure of Boracay” noting that “SC itself has previously ruled that Boracay is owned primarily by the state.”
The Palace official stressed that “the closure is because of the inherent police power of the state to protect the environment in Boracay.”
Roque concluded that “Unless a TRO is issued, the planned closure of Boracay to tourists shall proceed.” — Aiko Miguel | UNTV News & Rescue
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