The Philippines' top holiday island has closed to tourists as workers start a six-month clean-up to address environmental damage caused by overdevelopment.
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President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign an order formalising the closure of Boracay Island, 310km south of Manila, until October, his spokesman Harry Roque says.
A petition was filed at the Supreme Court on Tuesday demanding the island, known for its powdery white-sand beaches and crystal blue waters, stay open. There was, however, no information on when the court's decision would be made.
Workers were seen on Thursday pounding concrete walls and other edifices with hammers to clear structures to allow the widening of the island's main street.
Hotels, restaurants and establishments have also sent teams to demolish construction which has encroached on the main beach.
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has urged establishments to fix their sewage system after a number of the businesses were found to have illegally connected to the island's rainwater drainage line that connects directly to the sea.
The closure will affect more than 17,000 workers in hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related establishments, as well as an estimated 11,000 people earning a living by selling various items and services to visitors.
Australian Associated Press
