Santiago bill requires LGUs to ensure easy access to public beaches

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Friday stressed the need to protect the public and ensure their safety as the government continues to promote tourism in the country as she pushed for the passage of four bills she has filed, including one that seeks to ensure access to public beaches.

 

“With the increasing number of travelers, it is incumbent upon the government to ensure the safety of tourists, both local and foreign,” the senator said in a press statement.

 

Santiago's Senate Bill No. 2732, or the Public Beach Bill, mandates local government units to identify beaches open to the public and to establish access to these areas.

 

“We like calling the Philippines ‘the beach capital of Asia,’ but access to shorelines and other coastal areas is impeded by conflicting laws and overlapping jurisdiction,” she said.

 

The senator said this has led to the absence of clear regulations on the use and management of marine and coastal resources; poor zoning and planning; and weak enforcement of public access rights.

 

If enacted, the Public Beach Bill will direct LGUs and concerned agencies to draw rights-of-way to shorelines or coastal areas open to the public, and to put up conspicuous signs for public beaches.

 

It will, meanwhile, prohibit anyone from hindering access to identified public beaches; from dumping wastes and quarrying in such areas; and from removing, obstructing, or vandalizing public beach signs.

 

“There should be universal beach access with due consideration to private property rights and without compromising conservation efforts and coastal management programs,” Santiago said.

 

Senate Bill  2733, the First Aid in Resorts Bill, meanwhile seeks to increase penalties for resorts that fail to provide one lifeguard per 20 meters of shoreline, and first aid personnel, supplies, and equipment.

 

Meanwhile, in SB 2678, the Lifeguard Bill, Santiago wants owners of pools and other aquatic facilities to hire one lifeguard for every 250 square meters of pool area. Such lifeguards should man the pool during all hours of operation.

 

Aside from protecting tourists from accidents or untoward incidents, the senator is also campaigning against the practice of harassing tourists into buying local products by filing SB 2727 or the Anti-Tourism Harassment Bill.

 

“We need to encourage responsible marketing among our local vendors and service providers and curb the practice of repeatedly and aggressively soliciting business from unwilling tourists,” she said.

 

Despite her Stage IV lung cancer, Santiago continues to perform her duties on a priority basis. Earlier this year, she presided over public hearings on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, on the Jennifer Laude case, and on six treaties. — Amita Legaspi/JDS, GMA News