THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan thru the tourism and environment joint committee has pushed, as one of their recommendations, for review, inspection and investigation by Panglao town into the alleged fence by a resort in one of the town’s shorelines.
This surface after a certain a letter from Ms. Luisa Karkkainen, representative of the Doljo Tourism Stakeholders Association (DTSA), complaining about Modala Beach Resort Management along Doljo Beach, construction of a fence and closure of a gate.
The provincial board found that the allegation of Ms. Karkainen “that Modala Beach Resort constructed a fence and gate without valid permits and in violation of the setback requirement under the Municipal Ordinance No. 05 series of 2013.”
The said ordinance is “adopting comprehensive zoning regulations for the Municipality of Panglao, Province of Bohol, providing for the administration, enforcement and amendment thereof, and for the repeal of all ordinances in conflict therewith”.
“She cited a letter from the Municipal Engineer of Panglao dated January 12, 2022, confirming that portions of the fence were not covered by any building permit.”
Modala Beach Resort’s representative Rommel Gonzales retorted that the construction of fence had a valid fencing permit issued by municipality of Panglao and that the gate remains open to the public 24 hours a day with security provided only for guest safety. Gonzales clarified that DENR and Panglao found that the structures were compliant with the 30-meter easement requirement after inspection.
Gonzales position gained support from municipal councilor Eric Delambaca who said “no violations of Modala Beach Resort’s construction of the structures as they’re compliant with the necessary permits. He also explained that under the town’s enabling ordinance, the ten-meter access has been added to 20-meter easement zone provided for under Presidential Decree No. 1067 (Water Code of the Philippines), and that the DENR enforces it.
Doljo Barangay chieftain Jose Ruel Guimalan said three public access roads for barangay residents to go to the beach remain open to the public as ably provided for by the resort.
“He explained that the current concern seems to stem from Karkainen’s request for an additional private access route from her property, a matter outside the barangay’s authority to grant.”
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay said that if the complainant is not satisfied, she may bring the matter to the court. (Ric Obedencio)
