Philippines rejects claim of land grab in island paradise
MANILA (AFP) — The Philippine government on Tuesday rejected allegations it was grabbing land from international investors on Boracay island, the country's top tourist draw.
Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said the claim by the Boracay Land Owners' Association was misguided.
At a press conference in Hong Kong on Monday, the group had assailed a Supreme Court ruling last month that upheld President Gloria Arroyo's 2006 proclamation turning the 1,000-hectare (2,471-acre) island, famed for its white sand beaches, into a forest reserve owned by the government.
They cited a case last week in which a local landlord escorted by armed men took over a resort managed by an Australian operator.
"They (investors) made it appear that the Supreme Court decision caused this illegal takeover," Atienza said on local television.
He said this case stemmed from a contract dispute involving the Australian and a Filipino family who had leased the property to him.
"That land dispute is between two parties, and the owner used violence to evict the tenant. That is condemnable," he said.
However, Atienza said the court decision "should not be a cause of insecurity" for those who legally bought their land.
"We have gone there to talk to the stakeholders five times already to tell them and assure them there will be no government takeover," Atienza said.
"We will find ways and means to help those who developed land so that they can be given security of ownership and possibly, eventually title to their properties," he said.
However, those who illegally construct resorts over marshlands and natural catch basins would be stopped, he added.
Boracay is the Philippines' top tourist draw, with up to half a million visitors each year generating huge revenues for the government.
Most Boracay resort owners do not have legal title to their property, but pay real estate taxes to the government.
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