Greenpeace holds protest outside DOE office to push renewable energy

MANILA, Philippines - Environmental activists on Tuesday blocked the driveway to the Department of Energy (DOE) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to push the halt in the use of coal to meet the country's energy needs. Radio dzBB reported that members of Greenpeace painted "Quit Coal!" on the driveway of the DOE, temporarily blocking vehicles from entering the compound, as the group reiterated its call on government to switch to alternative forms of energy such as wind, solar and hydro. They also called on both houses of Congress to pass immediately the renewable energy bill. But DOE Sec. Angelo Reyes said that while the government is all for the passage of the renewable energy bill, the reality is that the country is still dependent on coal for its energy needs saying coal-fired plants supply a considerable chunk of the country's power requirements. Meanwhile, in Malacañang, at least 10 residents from Metro Manila were chosen to be the first to benefit from a lifeline power subsidy. The subsidy came from some P2 billion in value-added tax (EVAT) for power collected by the government. Radio dzBB's Aileen Intia reported that the beneficiaries came from Metro Manila areas that included Pandacan and Sampaloc in Manila, and Project 4 in Quezon City. - GMANews.TV