By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday stood by his expose that some barangay officials in Boracay Island are allegedly taking advantage of President Duterte's order not to allow outsiders in the island during its six-month rehabilitation.
Senator Panfilo Lacson
(JAY GANZON / MAN ILA BULLETIN)
"My information is not based on hearsay. Rather, it was on account of a spontaneous reaction by a friend of mine who was being told that he should cough up P400,000 for IDs that he was requesting for his staff and employees who are based and housed in Boracay," Lacson told reporters in a text message.
Lacson was apparently responding to a news report quoting a village chief in Boracay who belied Lacson claims and called it a "false story."
For his part, the senator said he only "thought it wise" to expose such practice as he urged the Department of Interior and Local Government to set up entrapment operations "para itigil na nila ang kalokohan nila (so they would stop)."
On the challenged to name barangay officials involved in the extortion scheme, Lacson commented, "I am sure the barangay officials concerned know who they are."
Lacson earlier bared in tweet last week that "unscrupulous" barangay officials in Boracay Island are reportedly charging "hefty" amounts to nonresidents for identification cards so they could access the island, where a "no ID, no entry" scheme will be implemented starting its closure on April 26.
Then in a radio interview over the weekend, the senator cited his source, saying businesses were asked P400,000 to secure IDs for their employees who are non-Boracay locals.
The DILG had announced that only residents, workers, and resort owners will be allowed entry to the island but are required to present IDs and barangay certification proving their residence.