From Boracay to military golf courses

The government’s real reason for shutting down Boracay remains a puzzle to many.

Whether it’s genuine love for the environment, a shakedown of businesses, or an overhaul of the status quo to allow for new concessionaires in the island – including those close to Malacañang, nobody knows for sure.

 Whatever the real reasons are, I hope there would be closer government scrutiny on other tourist destinations and other natural treasures around the country. Otherwise, all the rage against Boracay will mean nothing.

 Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, industry sources told me, has already threatened to shut down the five military golf courses in Metro Manila, if they don’t shape up.

 Cimatu, a retired general, issued his warning about this during the recent awarding ceremonies of the Philippine Military Academy Corps of ’70s Golf Tournament held at the Philippine Navy Golf Club. Some of the military’s top brass graced the event.

What’s the problem with military golf courses? I asked my sources.

They are generally well managed, except none of them have wastewater treatment facilities, sources said.

However, my sources said the dirty water usually comes from the neighboring areas and just flows through the canals of the courses.

The same thing happens even with most of the private courses like Wack-Wack Golf & Country Club and the others, sources said.

Only Manila Golf has a waste treatment facility, my sources added.

Military golf courses in the country include the Philippine Army Golf Course, Philippine Navy Golf Club, Camp Aguinaldo Golf & Country Club, Veterans Memorial Golf Club, and the Villamor Golf Club.  All military courses are owned and supervised by the Department of National Defense.

Cimatu, my sources said, is serious with his warning.

What now, Boracay?

Speaking of Boracay, I wonder what will happen to the tourist island if the government pushes through with its plan to shut it down.

 In a recent press conference, stakeholders said a sudden closure of the island could lead to job losses for 36,000 people and translate to P56 billion in lost revenue.

 According to the Boracay Foundation, some 19,000 people work in the formal sector – the hotels and inns, the resorts, food and beverage establishments, the water recreation shops, and transport providers.

 There are other jobs, too – the tattoo artists, masseurs and vendors by the beach. They comprise the informal sector and are estimated to number around 17,000 to 18,000.

 Furthermore, Boracay Foundation said the shutdown would translate to around P56 billion in tourism revenue losses, if the island is closed for nine months.

Thus, the foundation proposed a partial closure, ideally during the lean months or from September to October, and not during the summer break.

 President Duterte had recently raised the red flag on Boracay’s pollution problems, calling the island a “cesspool.”

 I’m not a fan of Boracay. The only part I like is Puka Beach and the last time I was there was almost 10 years ago, but I don’t think closing the island is the solution especially with the jobs at stake. Besides, I think it's a little too late.

 There’s no doubt Boracay is a major tourist destination. In 2017, 3.72 million people flew to the island, according to government data.

In any case, the local government must learn its lessons. The local authorities after all, allowed all the giant hotels and resorts to take over the island, ignoring the already high density in the area.

What happened to Boracay is obviously a clear argument against federalism. But that’s another story.

SEC Chairperson Teresita Herbosa to the Monetary Board?

Many are wondering who will be the next chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the country’s corporate regulator.

The no-nonsense and feisty SEC chairperson Teresita Herbosa, whose seven-year term already ended last month, is still in her position because President Duterte has not yet named her successor.

 Thus, she remains on hold-over capacity until a replacement comes or if and when she is reappointed.

 Herbosa has declined to comment when asked if she wants to be reappointed.

 Now, word on the street is that she will be appointed to the Monetary Board in place of Valentin Araneta, who passed away last Feb. 21.

 Official channels wouldn’t confirm this talk in the grapevine.

We’ll just have to wait and see.

 Herbosa was appointed to the SEC in May 2011. She has over 30 years of private law practice and graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts cum laude and Bachelor of Laws cum laude from the University of the Philippines.

 As for the next SEC chairperson, insiders said there are also speculations that former SEC chairperson Perfecto Yasay may make a comeback.

 Only Duterte knows for sure.

Bangladesh soon to graduate from Third World category

 Bangladesh Ambassador to the Philippines Asad Alam Siam recently hosted the celebration of the 47th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day.

It was a very special occasion for his country, Siam said in his speech before the crowd of Bangladeshis, businessmen, government officials, and other guests.

“This year is an important landmark in our national life. This year, we received the United Nations recognition to meet all the criteria to graduate from the category of the Least Developed Countries. If we would continue to fulfil the conditions set by the UN by 2024, we would graduate from the LDCs,” Siam said.

 Congratulations, Bangladesh and happy National Day!