Arroyo to impose ‘Martial Law’ proclamation on Boracay

MANILA, Philippines - The government will impose a "Martial Law" proclamation on Boracay Island in a bid to preserve its beauty and tourism, Malacañang said Monday night. A Palace statement said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will implement an "unrepealed Martial Law Proclamation” making Boracay a national park and placing its resources under government protection. "An example of our efforts to preserve Boracay's tourism value which spreads throughout Aklan is by applying an unrepealed Martial Law Proclamation declaring Boracay Island as a tourist zone under the administration and control of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA)," the chief executive said in a keynote address during the inauguration of the newly-constructed P207-million Ibajay bridge in Aklan. The martial law regime had declared Boracay a national park placing the tourist island and its resources under government protection. With the implementation of the unrepealed Martial Law proclamation, Boracay and its inhabitants are guaranteed sustainability of the islands resources and livelihood. "Investing in the vital infrastructure also includes building up our environment as a reflection of our commitment to our quality of life," President Arroyo said. She also said she is working to provide "a reliable supply of power" through the construction of more power plants in Panay Island. "Also high on our priority list for Panay is the provision of a reliable supply of power that will sustain tourism and other industries," she said. President Arroyo said she will be back in Panay Island, specifically in Capiz, "to launch a new project that will give the island an additional 15 megawatts of power." - GMANews.TV