Villar calls for Senate hearing on illegal resort in Chocolate Hills

On Sunday, Senator Cynthia Villar commented on the viral swimming resort built within the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, emphasizing that structures should enhance rather than destroy the protected area.

Villar stated during a Super Radyo dzBB interview that any construction in the Chocolate Hills must serve an educational or administrative purpose and not be for business purposes.

The senator suggested alternatives such as museums, visitor centers, government offices, and eco-tourism destinations to preserve the natural environment.

In her radio remarks, Villar noted that the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) should be held accountable for permitting construction of Captain's Peak Garden and Resort despite it being a protected area.

Villar is calling for a Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources hearing regarding the resort's presence in the protected area, potentially scheduled after Holy Week.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) previously warned that Captain's Peak Garden and Resort may face a P5 million fine for operating without an environmental compliance certificate.