DENR stops Taal spa construction, for now

(Updated 5:00 p.m.) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday ordered a temporary halt to the construction of a resort spa at Taal Volcano in Batangas, but was not ready to outright pull the plug on the P72-million facility. Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes told dzBB radio that the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) of Korean firm Jung Ang Interventure Corp. was suspended and that the project would have to undergo further DENR scrutiny. However, Reyes expressed readiness to lift the suspension once Jung Ang Interventure complies with government requirements. "The ECC has been suspended by the DENR. In other words, all of the construction, all of the operations will stop for now," Reyes said in Filipino during an interview on dzBB radio. He added that, "the ECC is not a permit. It's a guide, a plan which they will have to follow. What we did here was not to revoke the ECC. We just suspended it. What this means is, once they comply, they can continue with the construction." Reyes added that the Korean firm's protected area management board clearance has been "recalled." He said Jung Ang will have to again present its case that the six-hectare resort would not adversely affect the environment. "They will have to go through it (securing the clearance) again. I don't think they thoroughly presented the environmental impact of the project," Reyes said. The DENR granted the ECC in November last year, paving the way for negotiations between Jung Ang and the local government of Talisay where the resort was undergoing construction. Reyes took over the environment portfolio on Feb. 15, 2006. The suspension comes after Reyes joined local officials and residents in a public hearing earlier in the day. Talisay folk and church leaders had rejected the construction work on what has been described as the world's smallest volcano, noting that Jung Ang's ECC will provide a doorway for other unwelcome business to allegedly deface the site. Also on Wednesday, militant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said it would lodge a complaint before the Ombudsman against Reyes over the issuance of the alleged questionable ECC. They raised suspicions that Reyes, unnamed local officials in Talisay and the Korean firm of colluding to gain the ECC and other necessary environment permits. Lives at stake? The Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recently expressed opposition to the Korean spa, saying the construction site lies within Taal's permanent danger zone. However, Reyes said the resort can still be fashioned like scenic sites in Hawaii, wherein tourists can come up close with the lava flows. "Because this is in the permanent danger zone, we cannot have permanent structures. People should just sightsee and trek in the area," he said. For its part, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said a water permit has neither been granted nor applied for on any project on Taal Volcano in Talisay town in Batangas province. Reyes also said the incorporators will be asked to explain the details of the planned construction after complying with the ECC requirements. Our treasure The ECC covers the construction and operation of the Taal Island Spa Resort Project, which will include the following amenities: spa, improved trail hikes, exhibit halls, resting areas, view deck, elevator from the view to the crater lake, open space and other support/ ancillary utilities. Construction of the Taal Island Spa Resort started late May. Parts of the volcano slope has already been flattened. "We should exercise a high level of precaution because we do not want to harm the environment there. It's very beautiful. It's a national heritage [site] that should be taken care of and enjoyed for all time," Reyes said. For her part, incoming Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto maintained Wednesday that she was not in favor of the construction of the Taal resort. Interviewed by reporters at the Supreme Court in Manila, Santos said that, "I am not for it. I personally believe that the Taal is a natural sanctuary, it is a unique treasure. Many factors should be considered. First, Taal is an active volcano, we will not risk people's lives there." She ruled out an outright probe into the various parties' criminal liability as she said that she would like to "coordinate" and "consult" with the concerned sectors. - GMANews.TV