Panelo son gets Malay TRO

Atty. Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. said his legal quest to defend some Boracay businesses in Bulabog Beach against a series of demolitions which came without court orders by the Malay local government unit (LGU) is being fully supported by his father, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo.

Panelo Jr. filed a petition before Branch 7 of the Kalibo Regional Trial Court asking the Malay LGU to temporarily suspend the demolition order of 10 resorts and establishments, in which the trial court judge issued a 20-day Temporary Restraining Order last 15 October 2019 which will expire on 4 November this year.

In an interview after the court hearing Wednesday afternoon, Panelo said he was constantly reminded by his father to take sides with the law.

“We do not talk about this Boracay concern. However, knowing the details of the Boracay issue when President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure last year, (he) emphasized to always follow the law. Demolition of structures without court orders is illegal, so I am asking the court to officially declared the demolition illegal and null and void,” he said.

Atty. Melanio Prado, who represented the Malay LGU, said that the demolition order was carried out because several resorts and residents in Bulabog Beach have violated the 25+5 rule which means they have encroached the required beach easement.

Among those resorts affected by the demolition order were the Aira Hotel, Ventoso Residences, Freestyle Academy Kite Surfing School, Kite Center at Banana Bay, Wind Riders Inn, Pahuwayan Suites, Boracay Gems, Unit 101 of 7 Stones Boracay Suites, Unit 107 of 7 Stones Boracay Suites and Lumbung Residences.

After the hearing, the regional trial court has set 11 November to hear both sides of the Malay LGU and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to air their side on the petition.

Since the TRO issued will expire on 5 November, both Panelo Jr. and Prado agreed in a gentlemen’s agreement not to push for the demolition pending the decision of the judge.