Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday said she is "strongly against" the plan of the Bureau of Correction (BuCor) to build a new headquarters at the land of Masungi Georeserve in Tanay, Rizal province.
Binay, who chairs the Senate Committee on Tourism, made the remark during her ocular visit to the ecotourism site.
"Hindi talaga tayo papayag to convert the property to something else, parang this area is meant to be a ecotourism destination 'diba? After ko makita 'to, I'm totally against the plan [to build headquarters]," she told reporters in an interview.
The Senator said it is impossible for BuCor to build facilities inside the Masungi area.
"Puro bangin, alangan naman putulin nila 'yung bundok para tayuan ng kulungan. So, space wise, 'yung lupa dito sa Masungi, hindi siya ideal na pagtayuan," she added.
Binay said she will invite more officials from various government agencies including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the local government unit (LGUs) of Tanay, and the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) for another ocular inspection in the area.
She also said that she will convince her colleagues in Senate to also see the place.
"Para makita nila na may ganitong lugar na kailangan protektahan. Not for us but for our kids at doon sa magiging apo pa namin for the next generation," Binay continued.
Last February 16, BuCor personnel arrived at Masungi Georeserve, claiming that the 270 hectares of land will be used for headquarters.
But following protests from the public and environmental groups, BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang said the plan will not be pushed through.
