DENR chief vows to block continued stay of oil depots in Manila
03/23/2009 | 05:52 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr. on Monday vowed to block all efforts to allow the continued stay of the oil depots in Pandacan, Manila owned by the three giant petroleum companies, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Caltex Philippines Inc (now Chevorn), and Petron Corp.
Atienza, a former Manila mayor, said that he could not allow any pollutive and hazardous industries to stay in Manila, where the presidential palace is located.
“I have fought it before as mayor of Manila, and I will fight it once more as environment chief in all fora to protect the people of Manila and prevent further deterioration of Manila Bay and Pasig River," Atienza said.
Atienza’s decision came in the wake of a move from the city government of Manila to allow the oil depots to permanently stay in Pandacan through a city ordinance.
Manila Councilor Arlene Koa had sponsored the proposed ordinance amending the city’s comprehensive zoning plan. The draft ordinance seeks to revert to “industrial" the land-use classification of the depot. The proposal was approved on second reading last Thursday.
Atienza said that when he was Manila mayor, he fought for the relocation of the oil depots due to possible terrorist attacks that could threaten residents in the area.
He also cited the hazards the oil depot pose to public health and the environment. “It is my responsibility to protect the environment and the safety of the people," he said in an article on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Web site.
Atienza urged the public, especially Manileños, to block the ordinance. “It is a retrogressive piece of ordinance and all right-thinking citizens, environmentalists, and activists should not allow this to happen." - GMANews.TV
Atienza, a former Manila mayor, said that he could not allow any pollutive and hazardous industries to stay in Manila, where the presidential palace is located.
“I have fought it before as mayor of Manila, and I will fight it once more as environment chief in all fora to protect the people of Manila and prevent further deterioration of Manila Bay and Pasig River," Atienza said.
Atienza’s decision came in the wake of a move from the city government of Manila to allow the oil depots to permanently stay in Pandacan through a city ordinance.
Manila Councilor Arlene Koa had sponsored the proposed ordinance amending the city’s comprehensive zoning plan. The draft ordinance seeks to revert to “industrial" the land-use classification of the depot. The proposal was approved on second reading last Thursday.
Atienza said that when he was Manila mayor, he fought for the relocation of the oil depots due to possible terrorist attacks that could threaten residents in the area.
He also cited the hazards the oil depot pose to public health and the environment. “It is my responsibility to protect the environment and the safety of the people," he said in an article on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Web site.
Atienza urged the public, especially Manileños, to block the ordinance. “It is a retrogressive piece of ordinance and all right-thinking citizens, environmentalists, and activists should not allow this to happen." - GMANews.TV
