Groups ask for access to documents on Kaliwa Dam project

Groups opposed to the Kaliwa Dam project sent Freedom of Information letters to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Sr., requesting access to official documents related to the project.

The group's lead counsel, Chel Diokno, mentioned in particular the Preferential Buyer’s Credit Loan Agreement, as well as the commercial contract between the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and China Energy Engineering Corporation.

Diokno, who is running in the upcoming senatorial race in May, said they wanted to check if there are “onerous provisions” in the said agreements.

“Unang-una, hindi natin alam kung ano ang magiging interes niyan. Ano ang mangyayari kung hindi magbabayad ang Pilipinas? Ano ang penalties? We know the situations in other countries, na-take over ng China ang port at iba pang lupain ng ibang bansa. Nakakabahal naman yung ganoon,” Diokno said.

“Who is responsible for ensuring environmental compliance with Philippine laws? Mukhang hindi nakukuha ang required na permits at clearances from [Department of Environment and Natural Resources], etc,” Diokno added.

Sought for comment, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said: "I will leave it to the Executive Secretary since the letter is addressed to him. I will not preempt his response."

The groups are Task Force Sierra Madre for Balance Ecology, Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance, Prelature of Infanta-Community Organization of the Philippines (PI-COPI), Samahan ng mga Katutubong Agta/Dumagat-Remontado na Binabaka at Ipinagtatanggol ang Lupain Ninuno.

PI-COPI's Conrad Vargas also expressed fears that Barangay Daraitan in Tanay, Rizal will be submerged if the dam is constructed because its elevation is lower than the dam’s.

Diokno said they will go to court if the request is denied. — with Virgil Lopez/MDM, GMA News