Lawmakers seek probe into Chocolate Hills resort

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers have sought an investigation into the construction of a resort at the foot of the Chocolate Hills in a bid to preserve Bohol’s protected area. 

The House of Representatives’ Makabayan bloc filed a resolution, seeking a probe, in aid of legislation, into Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Sagbayan town after social media users voiced concerns about the impact of the resort’s operations on Chocolate Hills, a protected area. 

Captain’s Peak temporarily closed its doors to the public after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it had issued a temporary closure order in September 2023 and a notice of violation in January 2024 to the resort’s administrators for operating without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

“The construction of the Captain’s Peak Resort near Chocolate Hills raises serious questions on the enforcement of regulatory mechanisms of the national government and local government, as well as on possible infractions on several laws and issuances by the DENR,” read the resolution filed by Reps. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party), France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-list), and Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party-list).

Rep. Erwin Tulfo (ACT-CIS Party-list) is also set to file a resolution seeking an inquiry into the matter. He likened the resort to a “kulugo” or wart.

“They ruined the view… It looks ugly now,” Tulfo said, adding they need to investigate why permits were granted despite the protected status of the Chocolate Hills.

Sen. Nancy Binay, who chairs the committee on tourism, filed on Wednesday a resolution seeking a probe into the construction of structures within the vicinity of the Chocolate Hills, “with the end in view of preserving Bohol’s protected area and major tourist attraction.”

“It is the duty of the Senate to help protect and maintain the natural, biological, and physical diversities of the environment particularly in areas with biologically unique features to sustain human life and development,” she said.

The local government of Sagbayan revoked the business permit of Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort, the town’s information officer Felito Pon said in an interview with