Treñas welcomes charges from environmental groups
City Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomes the plan of the groups opposing the construction of a coal-fired power plant to sue him for allowing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to grant an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC).
With the issuance of the ECC, a ground breaking for the project is set tomorrow, September 20, at the 40-hectares property of Panay Power Corportation (PPC), GBPC's subsidiary, in Barangay Ingore, La Paz. GBPC is proposing to build a 164-MW coal-fired power plant. The plant is expected to be completed by 2010.
In yesterday's interview, Treñas said everybody who are felt aggrieved with the issuance of the ECC is free to file a case against him. The chief executive hinted he is ready to face whatever charges the opposing groups will file against him.
The Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (Rise), Professionals for Social Responsibility (Pro- SR) and Workers for Environment and Health (We Heal) are reportedly preparing charges against the city government, more particularly on Treñas, for allowing the granting of an ECC despite the lack of approval from the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The groups claim it needs the concurrence of the legislative boy as embodied in the Local Government Code.
Treñas however said the issuance of an ECC requires no approval from the city government based on the July 13, 2007 DENR memorandum stating that no permits or clearances issued by national government agencies or local governments would be required in getting an ECC or certificate of non-coverage (CNC). The proponent only has to comply the business and permit licenses.
An ECC or CNC is required for projects perceived to have environmental impact. The issuance of the certificates automatically gives the go-signal for the projects. DENR Secretary Jose "Lito" Atienza Jr. issued the ECC on Sept. 1.
Treñas has openly endorsed the coal-fired power plant project citing the need for a stable power supply for the residents and businesses in the city especially with the entry of a number of call centers in the city where power is the primary requirement for their operation.
The mayor also created a task force that studied the possible health and environmental hazards of the coal-fired power plant among the city residents. The task force gave favorable findings on the construction of a coal-fired power plant.