The closure of Boracay had a huge effect on other tourist destinations like Puerto Galera. Local officials and the private sector know that President Rodrigo Duterte has the political will to close down the tourist industry in any town found wanting of compliance to national laws particularly on environment and tourism regulations. Mayors knew that they can be “punished” if they do not obey the directives of the national government. At the onset, the mention of the accreditation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a mandatory requirement in getting a Mayor’s permit was welcomed by the business sector. This would mean that tourism establishments will be upgrading their tourism…