By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) has slapped 209 business establishments in Boracay a total fine of P43 million for violation of various environmental laws. PAB, a quasi-judicial body charged with adjudicating cases brought by DENR’s regional offices against violators of environmental laws and regulations, slapped the erring establishments with fines ranging from P10,000 to millions of pesos depending on the length of time and gravity of the offenses. DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu emphasized the agency’s continuing vigilance in monitoring pollution violations and swift adjudication of cases brought before the Board. DENR Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia, PAB’s presiding officer, said penalty notices had already been sent to the business owners, who are under obligation to pay the fines. “We at the DENR believe that anyone who pollutes or destroys the environment must pay the cost for that destruction,” Garcia said. He explained that only those who settled the penalties will be allowed to process their permits to operate and discharge permits provided they have not committed other violations. “The DENR, together with other concerned government agencies, is firm in its resolve to clean not only the waters and air of Boracay and to manage its solid waste. It also wants to clear Boracay of irresponsible and greedy business people who have placed care for the environment their least priority,” Garcia said. He said the rehabilitation efforts will continue even after Boracay has reopened to tourists. “We will continue to monitor all establishments and impose the necessary penalties should they be found breaking laws,” he pointed out. Of the 209 establishments fined, 110 were found to have violated Section 1, Rule 19 of the Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act, which requires permit to operate all sources of air pollution from the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). Their imposed fines totaled P1.5 million. Another 72 establishments were fined a total of P2 million for operating facilities that discharge regulated water pollutants without a valid discharge permit, which is required under Section 27(c) of RA 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act. Five establishments were fined a sum of P39 million for discharging untreated wastewater and exceedance of effluent standards under the clean water law. For violating some provisions of both RA 8749 and RA 9275, 22 establishments were fined a total of P900,000. All erring establishments were issued notices of violation by the EMB-Western Visayas soon after Boracay was closed to tourists in April for a six-month rehabilitation from serious environmental damage.