Treñas slams Greenpeace activists over anti-coal protest
The foreigners do not have the right to intervene in the affairs of the city. This was the strong statement of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas relative to the protest action initiated by Greenpeace against the establishment of a coal-fired power plant in the city last week.
Several foreigners were spotted joining the protest action of environmental group Greenpeace at the vicinity of Panay Power Corporation in Brgy. Ingore, La Paz district.
They don't have the right to dictate the people here, said Treñas adding that being "white men" (puti) do not give them the guarantee to intrude in the affairs of the city government.
"Being white is not an assurance that they have better ideas, said Treñas. He taunted that the group violated laws in the name of Greenpeace. "Ano gid na sulod ka coconut shell nila nga pamatian sila?" Treñas added.
"There are limitations that these foreigners have to observe when they are in countries other than their own countries. There are certain limitations for their freedom. They could be deported in joining rallies. It is unfair for them to intervene in the undertakings of the city," stressed Treñas.
Yesterday, Treñas also ordered Iloilo City Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Wesley Barayuga to check on the presence of members of Greenpeace who staged a swift protest in front of Metro Bank in Valeria. Global Business Power Corporation which operates Panay Power Corp. is a subsidiary of Metro Bank.
"The style of governance in the city is very transparent. It allows the people to speak of their own opinion. People are free to express their agreement or disagreement on certain things. This group (Greenpeace) has no idea on the power situation and needs of the people," said Treñas.
The chief executive added that these foreign groups must stage their rally in the United States wherein 70 percent of the states are using coal-fired power plants to address their power needs. The US is the number 1 contributor in the carbon dioxide emission, notes Treñas.
"They should not be here. It is unfair for them to meddle in the affairs of the city specifically in the proposed construction of a coal-fired power plant. They know pretty well that there is available advanced technology to contain the carbon emission in coal-fired power plants like the use of a static precipitator and Circulating Fluidized Bed," Treñas said.
Treñas noted that the business community fully supports the construction of the coal-fired power plant in the city to address the worsening power problem.