Sen Villar files reso to probe protected areas' exploitation

A Senate resolution was filed Tuesday requesting an investigation into reports of exploitation or defacement of protected areas such as the Upper Marikina River Basin, Siargao Island, Bohol's Chocolate Hills, and Mt. Apo Natural Park.

Senator Cynthia Villar expressed concern about potential unreported violations in other protected areas leading to degradation, noting that while 114 out of 248 protected areas have been formally legislated, there is a perceived deficiency in their protection and management.

Villar highlighted recent reports of resorts being built within the Chocolate Hills in Bohol province and Mount Apo Natural Park in central Mindanao, urging an examination of illegal construction activities and land use agreements.

The senator also cited the need to probe reports of illegal logging and quarrying in the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, which could worsen flooding in Rizal and Marikina.

She emphasized that existing laws, policies, and regulations on Philippine protected areas appear to have deficiencies in implementation, necessitating a closer look at management practices and protection mechanisms.