Imperial Palace denies breach in project ECC

CEBU, Philippines - The management of the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa has denied violating the provisions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

The resort management, however, admitted in a statement released yesterday that the reported construction of an amusement building was not part of the original ECC granted to them.

But the management claimed to have already submitted an application to amend its ECC and include the new facilities—Amusement and Entertainment Center building, Sewage Treatment Facility and Desalination.

The application for amendment was allegedly received by the Department of Environment and Natural resources-Environmental Management Bureau-7 on March 13. A reply letter from DENR-EMB-7 officer-in-charge William Cuñado advised revisions of the ECC. It was received by the resort on March 27.

“To date, Imperial Palace and DENR-EMB-7 are still in discussion to work out the revisions stated in the reply letter,” the statement reads.

A local newspaper (not The Freeman) reported an alleged violation committed by the resort for the construction of new facilities which are not part of its original ECC.  The resort also did not install a billboard stating the ECC number and name of the project at the entry and exit points in the area.

The resort management said that the two billboards stating the ECC number and name of the project have been stationed at entry and exit points since the construction of the hotel in 2008.  But it was recently taken down for replacement because it has already worn out through the years.

The resort management assured the public that they have always been compliant with government policies and standards. (FREEMAN)