House panel investigates Captain's Peak Garden and Resort over violations in Bohol's Chocolate Hills

The House of Representatives has filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1652 to investigate the construction and operation of Captain's Peak Garden and Resort in Bohol's Chocolate Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reps. Erwin Tulfo, Jocelyn Tulfo, Edvic Yap, Ralph Wendel Tulfo, and Eric Yap argue that securing necessary permits is crucial for validating the location, business purpose, and environmental considerations of establishments.

The lawmakers cite Proclamation 1037 signed in 1997 by President Fidel V. Ramos, which prohibits any activity that alters, mutilates, defaces, or destroys the Chocolate Hills.

DENR has issued a temporary closure order and notice of violation against the resort, while the Department of Tourism stated that the resort had not applied for accreditation.

The resort ceased operations on March 14 after admitting it lacks an environmental compliance certificate (ECC), raising serious concerns about potential circumvention of laws and permits in the guise of tourism development.

HR 1652 emphasizes the need to protect natural monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites from private interests, ensuring their preservation for future generations.