The DENR is targeting establishments that illegally dump sewage water to the drainage system which is intended only for rainwater. While business establishments can apply for a FLAgT to legalize the structures on timberland areas, this will still not be automatically approved. “It’s the risk that [owners and investors] took when they put up their properties [in timberland areas],” Leones said when asked if hotels and resorts in timberland areas would still be removed considering the investments involved. A FLAgT allows the temporary use, occupation and development of any forest land for tourism purposes for a period of 25 years renewable for another 25 years. President Duterte has issued a six-month deadline for government agencies, local government units and business operators to address Boracay’s environmental problems.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 19, 2018 09:02 UTC