The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered the suspension of a proposed motocross racetrack project in El Nido, Palawan after land clearing and development began without the required Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
The DENR–MIMAROPA regional office issued a Notice of Violation to the project proponent following an inspection by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) on February 23, 2026 that found ongoing development activities at the site in Barangay Villa Libertad.
Authorities said the planned motocross racetrack covers about 1.45 hectares, far exceeding the 0.1-hectare threshold for tourism and leisure projects that are required to secure an ECC under EMB Memorandum Circular No. 2022-06. The ECC is mandated under Presidential Decree No. 1586, or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System, to ensure environmental risks are assessed and mitigation measures are in place before construction begins.
Due to the violation, the DENR ordered the immediate suspension of all activities at the project site while the case is under investigation for possible breaches of environmental and forestry laws.
The project proponent was also directed to submit a notarized position paper within 15 days explaining the development activities and its compliance with environmental regulations. A technical conference with DENR officials has also been scheduled as part of the agency’s review process.
“The DENR reiterated that no project may proceed without full compliance with environmental laws, and that all findings and subsequent actions will be based on verified evidence and established legal procedures,” the agency said in a statement.
It added that the department remains committed to enforcing environmental regulations and protecting Palawan’s fragile ecosystems.
“The Department said it remains committed to safeguarding Palawan’s ecological integrity and enforcing environmental regulations consistently and transparently,” it stated.
Palawan, particularly El Nido, is known for its protected marine and forest ecosystems and is widely recognized as one of the Philippines’ most important ecotourism destinations, making environmental compliance crucial for tourism-related developments.
