Transactions on Zambales foreshore-land leases frozen

By JERRY T. UY, Manila Bulletin

IBA, Zambales - Zambales Gov. Vicente P. Magsaysay has ordered the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) here to freeze all transactions on foreshore land leases in Zambales amid several complaints lodged with the sangguniang panlalawigan.

The governor’s directive arose from an ordinance passed by the members of the provincial board. The ordinance takes effect immediately and will be enforced until it is revoked.

Magsaysay said that the Land Management Bureau headed by Diosdado de la Cruz has been instructed to cancel all foreshore lease agreements, including transactions for titling of foreshore lands.

He also said that with this action of the provincial government, all applicants for lease of foreshore lands would now follow an order of the government to provide adequate, pertinent paper to show as proof their legitimate business.

Magsaysay warned the officers of the provincial environment and natural resources office against dealing with applicants for lease of foreshore land.

"There are widespread complaints all over thes province regarding foreshore leases issued by the said office and we should act now or else all foreshore lands will be titled in the name of unscrupulous persons," the governor said.