Duterte to stand by Año's decision on Boracay rehab

President Rodrigo Duterte said the length of time for the rehabilitation of Boracay Island will be decided on by Interior Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año and the closure may last for at least six months.

"Si Año, sabi niya sa akin na, “Mayor…” Sabi ko… Kagabi sabi niya, Boracay he thinks will take a little bit longer," said Duterte in a speech delivered at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel on Tuesday.

"And I answered him, sabi ko, “General, nandiyan ka, I placed you there, whatever is your decision I will support you. Bahala ka you just make the recommendation and if I find everything that is all right and in consonance with the --- diretso na," he added.

Earlier, the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, and Tourism recommended the closure of Boracay Island for one year to clean up the famous tourist destination.

This was met, however, by protests from resort owners and some residents.

The decision came after Duterte remarked that Boracay has become a "cesspool" because of the poor sewerage system in the area.

Año has recommended that the closure last for six months, the President said on Tuesday.

"Sabi niya (Año) it will take about something like six months. Sabi ko, “then do it.” Kayo man rin ang nagsira ng Boracay hindi man kami," he added. — Virgil Lopez/BAP, GMA News