After Leonardo DiCaprio calls to protect Masungi Georeserve, DENR says 'no one is exempt from the law'

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has released an official statement about Masungi Georeserve after Leonardo DiCaprio joined the growing calls to protect the popular hiking site in Baras, Rizal.

In its official statement posted on Facebook, DENR said it appreciates "the statement of concern for the Philippine environment" from local and international celebrities, but "no one is exempt from the law."

"The Filipino people own the area occupied by Masungi Georeserve Foundation, and the operation of the resort venue that [charges] the public for day tours, meetings, and weddings remains non-compliant with Philippines laws," DENR wrote.

DENR also said that the owners of Masungi Georeserve "are the same signatories" to the Joint Venture Agreements and Supplemental Agreement "that have been investigated by DENR and is currently subject [to] investigation in aid of legislation by both houses of Congress."

On X (formerly Twitter), Masungi Georeserve responded to DENR's statement, saying that the Masungi Georeserve Foundation (MGFI), which is registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission, "is a non-stock, non-profit foundation" and the property is not a resort.

"The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) itself has said that MGFI has no outstanding tax obligations," it wrote.

"Masungi is also known for implementing some of the strictest and most sustainable visitor protocols and carrying capacities in the country," it added.

MGFI also claimed that the trails in Masungi Georeserve have a Certificate of Non-Coverage, equivalent to the Environmental Compliance Certificate "for projects with insignificant environmental impact as defined by the Philippine Environmental Impact System."

The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area with a rainforest landscape and is a popular hiking destination. It is home to 400 species of flora and fauna, as well as birds, monkeys, lizards, snakes, and many more. The Jurassic Plant, a rare plant only in Luzon, is found in Masungi.

According to a statement from Masungi, their efforts and their "future is threatened due to a recent announcement by the DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia "Toni" Yulo-Loyzaga that she plans to cancel the 2017 Memorandum of Agreement between the Masungi Georeserve Foundation and the DENR."

In March, Yulo told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview, "Masalimuot po talaga ang Masungi. Pero ang kailangan pong isipin ng lahat, kagaya ng Chocolate Hills, ito problemang ito ay hindi po sumulpot ngayon lang. Meron po itong early beginnings sa 1990s na trinace back na namin," she added, as she promised to release a decision soon.

In March, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated that Masungi is a protected forest reserve.

Fact Check and Reaction to DENR latest statement: The Masungi Georeserve is a non-profit conservation initiative run by the MGFI which is a non-stock, non-profit Foundation duly registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Masungi is therefore not a resort, which… pic.twitter.com/bodRXBsQNt

— Masungi Georeserve (@MasungiGeo) July 4, 2024

—with a report from Jiselle Casucian/Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News