DENR cancels ECC of Coron reclamation project due to lack of permits, operation

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has revoked the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) of a 48-hectare reclamation project in Coron, Palawan, one of its officials said Wednesday.

In a radio interview, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones said the ECC for the Coron Bay Development Project (CBDP) was canceled due to lack of permits and non-operation for five years.

“Sa regulation kasi natin, kapag nag-stop ka at more than five years hindi ka nag-operate, kailangan ma-cancel ang ECC mo para ma-update,” he said.

(Under our regulation, if you stopped operations and you have not been operating for more than five years, your ECC needs to be canceled for update.)

According to him, the DENR issued the ECC for the project in 2007 and 2009.

Based on the Coron Bay Development Facebook page, the reclamation is a project of the provincial and local governments.

Leones said developers should be held liable if they commit violations as some coastal areas may be damaged due to their projects.

Aside from possible administrative cases from DENR, developers may also face complaints filed by residents seeking compensation for damage, he said.

“Dapat kung anuman 'yung mga nasira doon, panagutan nila 'yun (They should be accountable for the damage in the area),” Leones added. —KG, GMA News