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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Catholic bishop calls on gov't to investigate alleged land purchases in Palawan by foreigners

Catholic bishop calls on gov't to investigate alleged land purchases in Palawan by foreigners

Published Jun 28, 2024 05:49 am
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Taytay, Palawan Bishop Broderick Pabillo

Bishop Broderick Pabillo has urged the national government to launch an investigation in response to growing concerns about alleged foreign land acquisitions in Taytay, Palawan, near the West Philippine Sea.

Pabillo, who serves as the Apostolic Vicar of Taytay, expressed concern that Chinese nationals or their agents might be involved in purchasing properties in the area.

“Baka mga Chinese ito. O baka mga agents ng mga Chinese. May mga namimili ng lupa. Lalong lalo na ‘yung facing the West Philippine Sea. Coastal area kami and we are facing the West Philippine Sea (Maybe they are Chinese. Or maybe agents of the Chinese. They are those who are said to be buying land—especially the one facing the West Philippine Sea. We are a coastal area, and we are facing the West Philippine Sea),” the bishop said in an ANC interview on June 27.

“Dapat tignan, imbestigahan iyong mga namimili ng mga lupa kasi syempre gagamitin ng mga dummy ‘yan. May pera na ibinibigay kaya hindi ko alam kung paano ang pag-iimbestiga doon kung legit ba talaga ‘yung pagbili ng lupa (They should look into it, investigate those who are buying land because of course dummies will use it. There is money being given so I don't know how to investigate if the land purchase is really legit),” he added.

Pabillo has expressed concern over the alleged foreign acquisition of land in the municipality, citing potential significant national security implications if the reports are accurate.

According to the local government's website, Taytay hosts Malampaya Sound, often referred to as the Philippines' “fish bowl.”

It noted that this area in Palawan contributes significantly to the national marine product market, particularly through fish production.

Spanning 24,490 hectares of water and 42,283 hectares of catchment area, totaling 77,773 hectares, Malampaya Sound supports diverse marine life that supplies major markets such as Metro Manila and extends to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan.

It added that Taytay also boasts a rich biodiversity including endemic, threatened, and vulnerable flora and fauna species.

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BISHOP BRODERICK PABILLO West Philippine Sea
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