Atienza inspects site of Subic casino-hotel

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza inspected yesterday the site of the Ocean 9 Casino and Hotel here that has stirred a controversy following the exposé that more than 300 trees would be cut to give way to the project.

Atienza’s visit came on the heels of his department’s decision to revoke its memorandum of agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) giving the latter the authority to issue environmental clearances and permits to locators at the Subic Freeport.

“We have taken over the responsibility to prevent misunderstanding,” Atienza said of the DENR’s move, which SBMA officials have welcomed.

“Now that we have seen the site, obviously there are mature trees, saplings and young trees but no century-old trees. It could not possibly have century-old trees but even that, I have the assurance of (SBMA) administrator (Armand) Arreza that since it is a wooded area, it’s really imperative that we protect the area,” he said.

Atienza advised the project proponents to adjust their plan to include the trees. “I can see the area is big enough to accommodate the beautiful plan that could incorporate all of these mature trees in the area and it would be a beautiful project with the environment protected and saved,” he said.

Earlier, Fr. Victor Diolata Jr., executive secretary of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines, called on the public to be more vigilant in protecting trees at the casino-hotel project site.   – Bebot Sison Jr.