Sual residents, environment groups rally vs. construction of 1,000-megawatt coal plant

Several residents of Sual, Pangasinan, on Thursday stormed the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City to protest the construction of a 1,000-megawatt coal powerplant in their area that was allegedly approved by Mayor Roberto Arcinue.

They were led by pro-environment groups Philippine Movement for Climate Justice and the Save Sual Movement (SSM) during an inquiry at the Ombudsman.

SSM president Rosanna Soriano said they sought the assistance of the anti-graft body after receiving alleged harassment from Arcinue’s camp for their opposition of the proposed coal-fired powerplant.

“Tinututulan po namin 'yung second coal plant dahil alam namin 'yung idudulot nitong masama sa aming kalusugan,” Soriano said.

Soriano said Sual residents already learned their lesson on the municipality’s existing 1,294-megawatt powerplant, which had damaged the homes and livelihood of residents.

“Nakita na po namin 'yung epekto sa aming kapaligiran na talagang nasisira na po. Sila po ay nawawalan na ng tirahan, ng kabuhayan. Wala na po kaming ibang titirhan kaya ayaw na namin magkaroon ng isa pang coal plant,” she said.

Sanlakas secretary-general Aaron Esguerra, who accompanied SSM, said the Ombudsman urged the local government to conduct a public consultation for the project so both camps can be heard.

No impact in climate

Arcinue, for his part, denied that the powerplants have negative implications, saying the existing one has a good track record in its 17-year operation.

“There is no pollution in the air, water, and land. Walang nakikita. This is signed by the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and the barangay where the plant is located. Every three months nagre-report 'yung Sual powerplant, wala naman [signs of pollution],” he said.

Arcinue said he is looking for another investor who is willing to spend on the proposed construction of the powerplant following Phinma’s withdrawal from the project.

He further warned that Luzon may have an energy crisis if the powerplant is not built within the next four to five years.

“To supply the needs of Luzon in the future, it will take some time to construct a powerplant like 1,000 megawatts, mga four to five years. Pag walang additional powerplant magkakaroon tayo ng energy crisis,” Arcinue said.

Arcinue also urged oppositors of the project to present evidence of its environmental implications so he can revoke the business and mayor’s permits of the operator. —KBK, GMA News