http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=68294
LGUs urged to endorse sustainable investments
Updated June 18, 2008 12:00 AM
With the influx of high net worth investments in the province posing high social impacts to the immediate locality, civil groups call for the local government units to enhance their evaluation process to only approve sustainable investments amenable to the community.
“It will be much more responsible for LGUs in the province to seek out sustainable investments, environmentally sound projects and at the same time responsive to the community’s needs,” said Vince Cinches, Executive Director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolks Development Center Inc. and one of the advocates of the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement.
He said that non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil groups in Cebu are very much active because the local government still has several things to improve especially in addressing the basic needs of the community and in their evaluation process of projects.
“There should be a change of mindset for government officials so they can adopt a more appropriate concept of sustainable development. Development is not only physical infrastructure but social and political infrastructure should first be in place,” he stressed.
Cinches argued that the local government sector has seemingly adopted a backward concept for progress because of its continued pursuit for destructive projects, which is rather opposite to that of the public’s increasing understanding and awareness on sustainable development.
He said that example of destructive project recently pursued by the government include the contested Tañon Strait Oil exploration by the Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX). After constant vigilance from some social and environmental organizations which was led by the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement, the JAPEX operation has been successfully blocked.
However Cinches’ group is now lamenting over another possible threat in the face of a new potential investor called as NorAsia, an Australian oil and gas explorer.
He said that if NorAsia will be given required endorsements by the provincial board to operate in Argao, it will surely pose possible threat to our natural environment.
“We hope the provincial board will not endorse the project. We should learn from the Japex experience. There should be clear-cut feasibility studies to come up with an objective and informed decision so to avoid gray areas in its implementation,” he further added.
He also stressed that participation of people in policy making is very important to empower communities.
At the moment, social organizations still have very limited engagements with the public sector. But he argued that if both parties will be able to renew their processes, engagements could take place even outside the Regional and Provincial Development Council, Cinches said.
The development council is a decision-making body for different economic development undertakings composed of the government sector as well as representatives from multi-segmented stakeholders in the community.
“We are very willing to sit down and help the public sector become a model of “responsive development.” Partnership could be a very effective means to bridge agreement and there are a lot of social organizations that can be tapped to draft guidelines in projects and identify inherent problems within our locality,” underscored Cinches.
— Rhia de Pablo
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Cebu gov hit over oil, gas exploration pact
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090424-201202/Cebu_gov_hit_over_oil,_gas_exploration_pact
Cebu gov hit over oil, gas exploration pact
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 12:39:00 04/24/2009
Filed Under: Mining and quarrying, Protest, Agreement (general)
MANILA, Philippines—Militant fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya, National Forces of the Fishers’ Movement of the Philippines) has questioned an agreement between the Cebu local government and an Australian mining firm to explore the Cebu-Bohol Strait for oil and gas.
Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said on Thursday the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by officials of the Australian offshore mining group NorAsia Limited and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia last April 15 was “a recipe for tragedy and a memorandum for destruction of Cebu-Bohol Strait.”
He added that the agreement went against the livelihood and interest of Cebuano and Boholano fisherfolk and that Garcia committed “a heinous crime against the environment and against the fisherfolk.
“This is totally revolting and extremely reprehensible. The MOU is a recipe for an across-the-strait destruction of people’s environment and livelihood in Cebu-Bohol Strait. The Governor of Cebu, her bosses in Malacañang and the Department of Energy, including NorAsia should be held responsible and accountable for whatever damage and destruction their offshore mining stint would create,” the Pamalakaya leader said.
Pamalakaya said the far-reaching effects of oil and gas explorations even during its exploratory or prospecting stage prior to production and extraction would be detrimental to the marine environment and to the fisherfolk’s livelihood.
The group said many studies showed that offshore mining could cause a significant amount of air pollution. Each offshore oil platform generates approximately 214,000 pounds of air pollutants each year. An average exploration well for natural gascould generate 50 tons of nitrogen oxides, 13 tons of carbon monoxide, six tons of sulfur dioxide and five tons of volatile organic hydrocarbons, according to studies cited by Pamalakaya.
In addition, oil and gas drilling operations produce huge amounts of water waste ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 metric tons of highly toxic water waste materials per drilling. The seismic tests, which are part of the exploration stage, damage the hearing organs of marine species, cause hemorrhage in body tissues, and damage their reproductive organs.
Pamalakaya said seismic blasting could cause behavioral modifications and reduce or eliminate available habitat for breeding, spawning, foraging and migration. Seismic noises can alter fish distribution by tens of kilometers and can elicit physiological stress on neural-immune responses in marine organisms.
“Recent findings also revealed that oil and gas exploration activities could lead to massive production of other toxic waste materials such as cadmium which causes lung cancer; lead which causes gastrointestinal diseases, blood and kidney disorders, mental retardation and affects the nervous system; chromium which causes lung and liver cancers, kidney and other respiratory illness,” the militant group added.
The group also said the offshore mining in Cebu-Bohol Strait and other parts of the Visayan basin would affect the livelihood of not less than 100,000 small fishermen and 500,000 dependents.
Hicap said they have been consulting with lawyers on available legal remedies to nullify the agreement.
The agreement allows the Australian company to explore 7,400 square kilometers of marine waters encompassing the Cebu-Bohol Strait, a narrow sea strait separating the island provinces of Cebu and Bohol, and parts of Leyte in the East Visayan basin.
The group’s leader also scoffed at the P500,000 assistance fund provided by NorAsia for the fisherfolk and residents of Argao and Sibonga, two of the affected municipalities in Cebu, where the exploration has been set to take place.
In 2008, leaders of Pamalakaya wrote Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd requesting the Australian prime minister to persuade its’ offshore mining company—NorAsia Energy Limited to back off from oil and gas exploration project in Cebu-Bohol Strait. But the premier did not act on the matter, the group said.
Cebu gov hit over oil, gas exploration pact
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 12:39:00 04/24/2009
Filed Under: Mining and quarrying, Protest, Agreement (general)
MANILA, Philippines—Militant fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya, National Forces of the Fishers’ Movement of the Philippines) has questioned an agreement between the Cebu local government and an Australian mining firm to explore the Cebu-Bohol Strait for oil and gas.
Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said on Thursday the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by officials of the Australian offshore mining group NorAsia Limited and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia last April 15 was “a recipe for tragedy and a memorandum for destruction of Cebu-Bohol Strait.”
He added that the agreement went against the livelihood and interest of Cebuano and Boholano fisherfolk and that Garcia committed “a heinous crime against the environment and against the fisherfolk.
“This is totally revolting and extremely reprehensible. The MOU is a recipe for an across-the-strait destruction of people’s environment and livelihood in Cebu-Bohol Strait. The Governor of Cebu, her bosses in Malacañang and the Department of Energy, including NorAsia should be held responsible and accountable for whatever damage and destruction their offshore mining stint would create,” the Pamalakaya leader said.
Pamalakaya said the far-reaching effects of oil and gas explorations even during its exploratory or prospecting stage prior to production and extraction would be detrimental to the marine environment and to the fisherfolk’s livelihood.
The group said many studies showed that offshore mining could cause a significant amount of air pollution. Each offshore oil platform generates approximately 214,000 pounds of air pollutants each year. An average exploration well for natural gascould generate 50 tons of nitrogen oxides, 13 tons of carbon monoxide, six tons of sulfur dioxide and five tons of volatile organic hydrocarbons, according to studies cited by Pamalakaya.
In addition, oil and gas drilling operations produce huge amounts of water waste ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 metric tons of highly toxic water waste materials per drilling. The seismic tests, which are part of the exploration stage, damage the hearing organs of marine species, cause hemorrhage in body tissues, and damage their reproductive organs.
Pamalakaya said seismic blasting could cause behavioral modifications and reduce or eliminate available habitat for breeding, spawning, foraging and migration. Seismic noises can alter fish distribution by tens of kilometers and can elicit physiological stress on neural-immune responses in marine organisms.
“Recent findings also revealed that oil and gas exploration activities could lead to massive production of other toxic waste materials such as cadmium which causes lung cancer; lead which causes gastrointestinal diseases, blood and kidney disorders, mental retardation and affects the nervous system; chromium which causes lung and liver cancers, kidney and other respiratory illness,” the militant group added.
The group also said the offshore mining in Cebu-Bohol Strait and other parts of the Visayan basin would affect the livelihood of not less than 100,000 small fishermen and 500,000 dependents.
Hicap said they have been consulting with lawyers on available legal remedies to nullify the agreement.
The agreement allows the Australian company to explore 7,400 square kilometers of marine waters encompassing the Cebu-Bohol Strait, a narrow sea strait separating the island provinces of Cebu and Bohol, and parts of Leyte in the East Visayan basin.
The group’s leader also scoffed at the P500,000 assistance fund provided by NorAsia for the fisherfolk and residents of Argao and Sibonga, two of the affected municipalities in Cebu, where the exploration has been set to take place.
In 2008, leaders of Pamalakaya wrote Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd requesting the Australian prime minister to persuade its’ offshore mining company—NorAsia Energy Limited to back off from oil and gas exploration project in Cebu-Bohol Strait. But the premier did not act on the matter, the group said.
A whale of a difference
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/whale-difference
A whale of a difference
A PETITION filed on behalf of sea mammals before the Supreme Court, in relation to the 2007 search for oil in the Tañon Strait, will stretch the limits of the law.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno said so himself, in a speech at the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City last April 16. The forum focused on environmental justice.
In Puno’s speech, a copy of which was sent toSun.Star Cebu, the chief justice discussed the implications of the novel case involving the “resident sea mammals of the Tañon Strait, which include toothed whales, dolphins, porpoises and other cetacean species,” suing a Japanese company and government agencies in relation to the oil exploration off the shores of Pinamungajan town.
"The Manny Pacquiao Blog". Click here for stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.
“The intriguing issue is whether a dolphin or whale can sue an oil exploration firm. If I cite this case, it is only to stress the ongoing attempts to further open the doors of courts to plaintiffs who are non-humans alleged to be entitled to a healthy environment,” Puno said in his speech.
The forum, “Upholding the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology,” aimed to draft recommendations for better actions on environmental issues brought before the Supreme Court.
This gave Puno, the keynote speaker of the event, a chance to talk about locus standi, or standing, in terms of filing cases.
He recalled the “benchmark” case of Oposa versus Factoran, where unborn children and “future generations” were given a locus standi to sue, especially in cases involving the environment.
“We recognized the budding principle of inter-generational equity, which assures each generation the right to receive the planet in no worse a condition than received by the previous generation, and views the environmental and resource conservation obligations of the present generation from that perspective,” said Puno.
In the case of the mammals, it is still ongoing.
The petition was for certiorari with mandamus and injunction, filed in a bid to stop offshore explorations by the Japan Petroleum Exploration Company Ltd. (Japex).
How far?
Japex ended the oil exploration by early 2008. They never made it to a full-blown oil drill, with the company saying the available oil was not of commercially viable volumes.
Government agencies were impleaded in the Supreme Court petition for allowing the exploration to happen in the first place.
Oil explorations, said the petitioners, would damage their habitat. The mammals were represented by lawyers Gloria Estenzo-Ramos and Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio, acting as their guardians.
“Exactly how far the rule on standing is to be liberalized is the question,” Puno said in Thursday’s speech.
The chief justice noted, though, that relaxing the rule on locus standi has its disadvantages.
“Fears are expressed that this will open the floodgates to environmental litigation, many of which may be groundless, especially those filed by bounty hunters. They can drive away investment companies and they can contribute to the overclogging of our green court dockets,” Puno also said.
Environmental champions may even be sued for damages for initiating complaints to discourage them from pursuing it.
“Our task is to craft a rule that will strike the proper balance between the need to encourage citizens’ suits and the danger that unregulated citizen’s suits may bring about nuisance cases,” Puno said.
Some environmentalist-lawyers who attended a related forum in Iloilo City expressed optimism in the Tañon Strait mammals’ case.
They attended the “Forum on Environmental Justice: Upholding the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology” in Iloilo City, an event the Supreme Court organized.
“This activity encourages us to actively pursue more actions to protect our environment. Truly the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Puno now remains as the only institution who stood by the people, under attack by oppressive anti-environment policies of the government,” said Vince Cinches, executive director of the Fisherfolks’ Development Center (Fidec) Inc.
In a press statement released by Ghianne Rada, Fidec described the forum as “most welcome in a time where global climate change is wreaking havoc on our lives.” (JGA/EOB)
A whale of a difference
A PETITION filed on behalf of sea mammals before the Supreme Court, in relation to the 2007 search for oil in the Tañon Strait, will stretch the limits of the law.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno said so himself, in a speech at the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City last April 16. The forum focused on environmental justice.
In Puno’s speech, a copy of which was sent toSun.Star Cebu, the chief justice discussed the implications of the novel case involving the “resident sea mammals of the Tañon Strait, which include toothed whales, dolphins, porpoises and other cetacean species,” suing a Japanese company and government agencies in relation to the oil exploration off the shores of Pinamungajan town.
"The Manny Pacquiao Blog". Click here for stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.
“The intriguing issue is whether a dolphin or whale can sue an oil exploration firm. If I cite this case, it is only to stress the ongoing attempts to further open the doors of courts to plaintiffs who are non-humans alleged to be entitled to a healthy environment,” Puno said in his speech.
The forum, “Upholding the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology,” aimed to draft recommendations for better actions on environmental issues brought before the Supreme Court.
This gave Puno, the keynote speaker of the event, a chance to talk about locus standi, or standing, in terms of filing cases.
He recalled the “benchmark” case of Oposa versus Factoran, where unborn children and “future generations” were given a locus standi to sue, especially in cases involving the environment.
“We recognized the budding principle of inter-generational equity, which assures each generation the right to receive the planet in no worse a condition than received by the previous generation, and views the environmental and resource conservation obligations of the present generation from that perspective,” said Puno.
In the case of the mammals, it is still ongoing.
The petition was for certiorari with mandamus and injunction, filed in a bid to stop offshore explorations by the Japan Petroleum Exploration Company Ltd. (Japex).
How far?
Japex ended the oil exploration by early 2008. They never made it to a full-blown oil drill, with the company saying the available oil was not of commercially viable volumes.
Government agencies were impleaded in the Supreme Court petition for allowing the exploration to happen in the first place.
Oil explorations, said the petitioners, would damage their habitat. The mammals were represented by lawyers Gloria Estenzo-Ramos and Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio, acting as their guardians.
“Exactly how far the rule on standing is to be liberalized is the question,” Puno said in Thursday’s speech.
The chief justice noted, though, that relaxing the rule on locus standi has its disadvantages.
“Fears are expressed that this will open the floodgates to environmental litigation, many of which may be groundless, especially those filed by bounty hunters. They can drive away investment companies and they can contribute to the overclogging of our green court dockets,” Puno also said.
Environmental champions may even be sued for damages for initiating complaints to discourage them from pursuing it.
“Our task is to craft a rule that will strike the proper balance between the need to encourage citizens’ suits and the danger that unregulated citizen’s suits may bring about nuisance cases,” Puno said.
Some environmentalist-lawyers who attended a related forum in Iloilo City expressed optimism in the Tañon Strait mammals’ case.
They attended the “Forum on Environmental Justice: Upholding the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology” in Iloilo City, an event the Supreme Court organized.
“This activity encourages us to actively pursue more actions to protect our environment. Truly the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Puno now remains as the only institution who stood by the people, under attack by oppressive anti-environment policies of the government,” said Vince Cinches, executive director of the Fisherfolks’ Development Center (Fidec) Inc.
In a press statement released by Ghianne Rada, Fidec described the forum as “most welcome in a time where global climate change is wreaking havoc on our lives.” (JGA/EOB)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Lava Island reclamation residents fear project's effects on the environment
http://www.philstar .com/Article. aspx?articleId= 450556&publicationSubCateg oryId=107
Lava Island reclamation residents fear project's effects on the environment
Updated March 21, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Residents and environmentalists who attended yesterday’s public hearing on the proposed 60-hectare reclamation project on Lava Island, Cordova raised concerns on the possible effect of the project to the environment.
One of the participants to the public hearing said the proponent of the project should include in its environmental impact assessment the protection of the seabeds, corals and other marine specie because many of the local residents are dependent on fishing as their means of livelihood.
The project has seven components that include causeway reclamation, golf course, villa, clubhouse, hotel, dredging and electrical.
Engr. Fe Walag, one of the invited speakers, said one of the aspects for the success of reclamation project is the water supply, and external effect of the reclamation should be needed.
Based on the project rationale presented, she assured that the project would have no negative impact on the environment.
For his part, Vince Cinches, executive director of the Fishermen’s Development Center asked about the possible social impact and social dimension of the project that the proponents failed to address. He suggested they should be included also in the study.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy said the proposed reclamation project, which will feature a golf course as its main tourism facility, said the development is a municipal project that would be funded by a private entity. “Wa’y usa ka daku nga makuha sa munisipyo,” he added.
The municipality has received an unsolicited proposal to develop Lava Island from the private firm Golfsalang Phil. Inc. The project will be covered by a 20-year period contract, which is assumed as the project’s lifespan.
Present during the public hearing were local officials from Cordova, provincial government headed by Board Member Victor Maambong, chairman of the PB committee on environmental conservation and natural resources, Dr. Danilo Largo of the office of the research of the University of San Carlos, environmentalist and lawyer Benjamin Cabrido, residents and fisherfolk of the town. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)
Lava Island reclamation residents fear project's effects on the environment
Updated March 21, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Residents and environmentalists who attended yesterday’s public hearing on the proposed 60-hectare reclamation project on Lava Island, Cordova raised concerns on the possible effect of the project to the environment.
One of the participants to the public hearing said the proponent of the project should include in its environmental impact assessment the protection of the seabeds, corals and other marine specie because many of the local residents are dependent on fishing as their means of livelihood.
The project has seven components that include causeway reclamation, golf course, villa, clubhouse, hotel, dredging and electrical.
Engr. Fe Walag, one of the invited speakers, said one of the aspects for the success of reclamation project is the water supply, and external effect of the reclamation should be needed.
Based on the project rationale presented, she assured that the project would have no negative impact on the environment.
For his part, Vince Cinches, executive director of the Fishermen’s Development Center asked about the possible social impact and social dimension of the project that the proponents failed to address. He suggested they should be included also in the study.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy said the proposed reclamation project, which will feature a golf course as its main tourism facility, said the development is a municipal project that would be funded by a private entity. “Wa’y usa ka daku nga makuha sa munisipyo,” he added.
The municipality has received an unsolicited proposal to develop Lava Island from the private firm Golfsalang Phil. Inc. The project will be covered by a 20-year period contract, which is assumed as the project’s lifespan.
Present during the public hearing were local officials from Cordova, provincial government headed by Board Member Victor Maambong, chairman of the PB committee on environmental conservation and natural resources, Dr. Danilo Largo of the office of the research of the University of San Carlos, environmentalist and lawyer Benjamin Cabrido, residents and fisherfolk of the town. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Lawyers, groups eye action vs. local authorities
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/lawyers-groups-eye-action-vs-local-authorities
Lawyers, groups eye action vs. local authorities
LAWYERS and nongovernment organizations are “outraged” over the way government agencies handled the case involving
a vessel that ran aground and damaged the protected fish sanctuary in Talisay City.
Government agencies will be held accountable, said lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines–National Environmental Action Team (IBP – Neat).
“We will take the lead, we will make them accountable,” she said in a press conference yesterday.
Ramos and lawyer Benjamin Cabrido wrote a letter to Talisay City as well as the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Coast Guard and the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) to ask why the mv United was not apprehended.
“There was no marine protest or inquiry or determination,” said Cabrido.
He said they are contemplating on filing a case for damages against the BOC, CPA and the Coast Guard. Since they could not sue the vessel’s owners or operators anymore, which left the Philippine waters, they will go after the agencies that allowed the ship to sail.
The foreign cargo ship mv United ran aground off Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City last March 5, damaging Lagundi Reef’s seabed and corals. The ship is an Athens, Greece-based carrier of Kamtchuka International Limited.
The groups sought Talisay City’s answers to at least 11 questions, including its acceptance of the US$10,000 donation from the ship owner for the immediate rehabilitation of Lagundi Reef.
“Are you aware that considering the circumstances, the act of receiving the amount is a possible violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act?” the group’s letter said.
“Is that some sort of settlement for destroying Lagundi Reef?” Vince Cinches of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. (Fidec) said.
Marine scientist Danilo Largo said the amount is not even enough to rehabilitate the coral reefs, which is a life support system.
“Why was the vessel allowed to leave when no assessment of the extent of the damage was done?” was another question for the city officials.
IBP-Neat, Fidec, the Knight-Stewards of the Sea and a youth group also asked Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to form Task Force Lagundi, which will investigate last week’s incident.
“We need an independent and multi-sectoral body to look into the incident (and) the scope of responsibilities of the different government agencies,” read the letter addressed to Garcia.
“The mishandling of the destruction of the coral reefs at the Lagundi Reef is, likewise, a telling revelation of the lack of capacity and will of local government units to manage and appreciate the significance or our coasts and marine resources and its failure to coordinate immediately with national government agencies,” the group’s statement also read.
Even Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has joined the call to protect marine resources through a public service announcement that the group showed reporters yesterday.
“We are outraged, we are angry. You don’t like us when we’re angry because this is our passion, it is not about money,” Cabrido warned.
Earlier, concerned Talisay City residents have also asked Garcia to create a task force that will look into the destruction of the Lagundi Reef.
In their letter-appeal, the residents urged Garcia, who is also the Provincial Marine Protection Council chairperson, to create an independent and multi-sectoral body that will probe the incident.
Sought for comment, Capitol information consultant lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda said Talisay City has the primary jurisdiction over the issue. But he said they will coordinate with the city authorities “and move from there.”
The captain of the 31,643-gross ton ship, Chen Guangming, was charged with reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property.
Underwater photos show corals reduced to rubble by the ship’s propeller, the group said. Sun.Star Cebu. (JGA/GMD)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=448377&publicationSubCategoryId=107
Lagundi reef destruction: Environment lawyers eye legal action vs Talisay government
Updated March 14, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Members of several environmental groups disclosed yesterday that they will file a case in court against those who are responsible for the destruction of Lagundi Reef.
Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, chairperson of the National Environment Action Team (NEAT)-Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu chapter, said the local government of Talisay City, together with the Cebu Ports Authority and other agencies should be made accountable for allowing the cargo ship and its crew to leave Cebu without being made to answer for the damage it had cause to the reef when it recently ran aground in the seawaters of Talisay City.
“It is high time for the people to exact accountability on those mandated to protect our life support system. Enough is enough,” Ramos said.
The NEAT-IBP, together with the Global Legal Action on Climate Change-Cebu and Save Tañon Strait Citizens’ Movement with other stakeholders yesterday held a press conference to announce their legal action against those who are responsible for the destruction of Lagundi Reef.
Environmentalists said Talisay City should be made legally accountable for accepting money from the Chinese crew of the foreign vessel and allowing it to leave Cebu without having filed a case against it.
Capt. Chen Guangming of M/V United Majuro was released after undergoing inquest proceedings and paying a P5,000 fines for violating a city ordinance that regulates activities within the Lagundi Reef and giving the city government another $10,000 as donation.
In a manifesto, the environmentalists said they are saddened and perplexed at the way the incident involving the MV united Majuro’s destruction of the corals at the Lagundi Reef was handled by the Talisay City government and pertinent government agencies.
“It is indeed unfortunate that we do not really put a premium on resources conservation and protection,” it said. “Obviously, GMA’s EO 774 on mainstreaming conservation, protection and restoration of the natural world does not make a dent on her executive agencies, including the LGUs.”
They said it is very sad and unfortunate that, as the mishandling of the Lagundi Reef destruction and the reclamation projects that are sprouting, people do not really put a premium on resources conservation and protection.
Atty. Ramos added that amid the climate crisis and its dire implications on survival, people should not solely rely on government to protect the natural heritage as there will be nothing left for the future generations.
The group also requested Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to form a multi-sectoral body that will conduct investigation into the Lagundi Reef incident. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)
Lawyers, groups eye action vs. local authorities
LAWYERS and nongovernment organizations are “outraged” over the way government agencies handled the case involving
a vessel that ran aground and damaged the protected fish sanctuary in Talisay City.
Government agencies will be held accountable, said lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines–National Environmental Action Team (IBP – Neat).
“We will take the lead, we will make them accountable,” she said in a press conference yesterday.
Ramos and lawyer Benjamin Cabrido wrote a letter to Talisay City as well as the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Coast Guard and the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) to ask why the mv United was not apprehended.
“There was no marine protest or inquiry or determination,” said Cabrido.
He said they are contemplating on filing a case for damages against the BOC, CPA and the Coast Guard. Since they could not sue the vessel’s owners or operators anymore, which left the Philippine waters, they will go after the agencies that allowed the ship to sail.
The foreign cargo ship mv United ran aground off Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City last March 5, damaging Lagundi Reef’s seabed and corals. The ship is an Athens, Greece-based carrier of Kamtchuka International Limited.
The groups sought Talisay City’s answers to at least 11 questions, including its acceptance of the US$10,000 donation from the ship owner for the immediate rehabilitation of Lagundi Reef.
“Are you aware that considering the circumstances, the act of receiving the amount is a possible violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act?” the group’s letter said.
“Is that some sort of settlement for destroying Lagundi Reef?” Vince Cinches of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. (Fidec) said.
Marine scientist Danilo Largo said the amount is not even enough to rehabilitate the coral reefs, which is a life support system.
“Why was the vessel allowed to leave when no assessment of the extent of the damage was done?” was another question for the city officials.
IBP-Neat, Fidec, the Knight-Stewards of the Sea and a youth group also asked Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to form Task Force Lagundi, which will investigate last week’s incident.
“We need an independent and multi-sectoral body to look into the incident (and) the scope of responsibilities of the different government agencies,” read the letter addressed to Garcia.
“The mishandling of the destruction of the coral reefs at the Lagundi Reef is, likewise, a telling revelation of the lack of capacity and will of local government units to manage and appreciate the significance or our coasts and marine resources and its failure to coordinate immediately with national government agencies,” the group’s statement also read.
Even Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has joined the call to protect marine resources through a public service announcement that the group showed reporters yesterday.
“We are outraged, we are angry. You don’t like us when we’re angry because this is our passion, it is not about money,” Cabrido warned.
Earlier, concerned Talisay City residents have also asked Garcia to create a task force that will look into the destruction of the Lagundi Reef.
In their letter-appeal, the residents urged Garcia, who is also the Provincial Marine Protection Council chairperson, to create an independent and multi-sectoral body that will probe the incident.
Sought for comment, Capitol information consultant lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda said Talisay City has the primary jurisdiction over the issue. But he said they will coordinate with the city authorities “and move from there.”
The captain of the 31,643-gross ton ship, Chen Guangming, was charged with reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property.
Underwater photos show corals reduced to rubble by the ship’s propeller, the group said. Sun.Star Cebu. (JGA/GMD)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=448377&publicationSubCategoryId=107
Lagundi reef destruction: Environment lawyers eye legal action vs Talisay government
Updated March 14, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Members of several environmental groups disclosed yesterday that they will file a case in court against those who are responsible for the destruction of Lagundi Reef.
Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, chairperson of the National Environment Action Team (NEAT)-Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu chapter, said the local government of Talisay City, together with the Cebu Ports Authority and other agencies should be made accountable for allowing the cargo ship and its crew to leave Cebu without being made to answer for the damage it had cause to the reef when it recently ran aground in the seawaters of Talisay City.
“It is high time for the people to exact accountability on those mandated to protect our life support system. Enough is enough,” Ramos said.
The NEAT-IBP, together with the Global Legal Action on Climate Change-Cebu and Save Tañon Strait Citizens’ Movement with other stakeholders yesterday held a press conference to announce their legal action against those who are responsible for the destruction of Lagundi Reef.
Environmentalists said Talisay City should be made legally accountable for accepting money from the Chinese crew of the foreign vessel and allowing it to leave Cebu without having filed a case against it.
Capt. Chen Guangming of M/V United Majuro was released after undergoing inquest proceedings and paying a P5,000 fines for violating a city ordinance that regulates activities within the Lagundi Reef and giving the city government another $10,000 as donation.
In a manifesto, the environmentalists said they are saddened and perplexed at the way the incident involving the MV united Majuro’s destruction of the corals at the Lagundi Reef was handled by the Talisay City government and pertinent government agencies.
“It is indeed unfortunate that we do not really put a premium on resources conservation and protection,” it said. “Obviously, GMA’s EO 774 on mainstreaming conservation, protection and restoration of the natural world does not make a dent on her executive agencies, including the LGUs.”
They said it is very sad and unfortunate that, as the mishandling of the Lagundi Reef destruction and the reclamation projects that are sprouting, people do not really put a premium on resources conservation and protection.
Atty. Ramos added that amid the climate crisis and its dire implications on survival, people should not solely rely on government to protect the natural heritage as there will be nothing left for the future generations.
The group also requested Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to form a multi-sectoral body that will conduct investigation into the Lagundi Reef incident. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)
RP has second-dirtiest seas, report says
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090315-194252/RP-has-second-dirtiest-seas-report-says
RP has second-dirtiest seas, report says
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 08:23:00 03/15/2009
Filed Under: Environmental Issues, Pollution
MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines ranks second in the world for most trash recovered from its oceans, an international conservation group has revealed.
The US-based Ocean Conservancy reported that 1,355,236 items of trash were recovered from the country’s shorelines, ocean surface and underwater during the International Coastal Cleanup conducted by the group in September 2008, which involved nearly 400,000 volunteers around the world.
The results of the cleanup were presented in a report by the group titled “A Rising Tide of Ocean Debris” was released on March 10 and available on the group's website.
Topping the list of trash items were plastic bags (679,957 pieces), paper bags (253,013) and food wrappers (103,226). Also recovered were 38,394 pieces of clothing and shoes, 55,814 tobacco-related items including cigarette butts (34,154), lighters and wrappers, and 11,077 diapers.
The United States topped the list of countries with the most trash recovered, with 3,945,855 items. In third place was Costa Rica with 1,017,621 items.
Ocean Conservancy said it collected 11.4 million pieces of trash from 6,485 sites in 104 countries, including the Philippines.
“We are all connected to the ocean. The disheartening amount of trash afloat in the sea, littering beaches and piling up on the sea floor affects the earth’s life support system, the ocean and all the living things in it," the report said.
"Marine debris is more than a blemish on nature, it is a potential threat to our food supply, to tourism and economic activity, to marine wildlife and ecosystems, and to our personal health. It even relates to the impacts of climate change,” it added.
Because of the study, local waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition called on the public to help restore the health of Philippine waters.
On World Consumer Rights Day on Sunday (March 15), the coalition called for more awareness, responsibility and action to save the oceans and waterways, particularly from plastic garbage.
“We urge local and national authorities to fully enforce Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, to stop the dumping of trash in the canals and esteros that eventually find their way into the marine ecosystem,” said Manny Calonzo, EcoWaste Coalition president.
To prevent garbage from entering the marine environment, the coalition urged consumers to adopt basic practices in ecological waste management, including waste prevention, reduction, separation at source, recycling reuse and composting.
In 2006, the group together with Greenpeace conducted a joint discards survey of Manila Bay which showed that 76 percent of the garbage in the bay was made of plastic and 51 percent was plastic bags, Calonzo said.
The coalition also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and National Solid Waste Management Commission to do something about the trash in the oceans.
RP has second-dirtiest seas, report says
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 08:23:00 03/15/2009
Filed Under: Environmental Issues, Pollution
MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines ranks second in the world for most trash recovered from its oceans, an international conservation group has revealed.
The US-based Ocean Conservancy reported that 1,355,236 items of trash were recovered from the country’s shorelines, ocean surface and underwater during the International Coastal Cleanup conducted by the group in September 2008, which involved nearly 400,000 volunteers around the world.
The results of the cleanup were presented in a report by the group titled “A Rising Tide of Ocean Debris” was released on March 10 and available on the group's website.
Topping the list of trash items were plastic bags (679,957 pieces), paper bags (253,013) and food wrappers (103,226). Also recovered were 38,394 pieces of clothing and shoes, 55,814 tobacco-related items including cigarette butts (34,154), lighters and wrappers, and 11,077 diapers.
The United States topped the list of countries with the most trash recovered, with 3,945,855 items. In third place was Costa Rica with 1,017,621 items.
Ocean Conservancy said it collected 11.4 million pieces of trash from 6,485 sites in 104 countries, including the Philippines.
“We are all connected to the ocean. The disheartening amount of trash afloat in the sea, littering beaches and piling up on the sea floor affects the earth’s life support system, the ocean and all the living things in it," the report said.
"Marine debris is more than a blemish on nature, it is a potential threat to our food supply, to tourism and economic activity, to marine wildlife and ecosystems, and to our personal health. It even relates to the impacts of climate change,” it added.
Because of the study, local waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition called on the public to help restore the health of Philippine waters.
On World Consumer Rights Day on Sunday (March 15), the coalition called for more awareness, responsibility and action to save the oceans and waterways, particularly from plastic garbage.
“We urge local and national authorities to fully enforce Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, to stop the dumping of trash in the canals and esteros that eventually find their way into the marine ecosystem,” said Manny Calonzo, EcoWaste Coalition president.
To prevent garbage from entering the marine environment, the coalition urged consumers to adopt basic practices in ecological waste management, including waste prevention, reduction, separation at source, recycling reuse and composting.
In 2006, the group together with Greenpeace conducted a joint discards survey of Manila Bay which showed that 76 percent of the garbage in the bay was made of plastic and 51 percent was plastic bags, Calonzo said.
The coalition also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and National Solid Waste Management Commission to do something about the trash in the oceans.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Forum to tackle pros and cons of renewable energy
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=445651&publicationSubCategoryId=108
Forum to tackle pros and cons of renewable energy
Updated March 05, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Aimed at making the public and multi-faceted stakeholders in the community more aware on the potentials as well as the limitations of different options of renewable energy sources, organizers of the upcoming Renewable Energy Forum gave a bird’s eye view of the event during the recently held 888 News Forum.
The upcoming forum, which will be held at Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug this March 6, highlights the importance of understanding both the limitations and the advantages of alternative sources of energy.
One of the event organizers, Rene Alburo said that among the topics that will be discussed in the forum would include issues on the power shortage, renewable energy potentials, green architecture, hydro- power, solar energy, biomass or waste energy, wave power and other environmental issues such as global warming, waste management and among others.
“Renewable energy offers a lot of potential benefits but it also has its serious limitations as well so we need to understand this to fully make use of the technologies and options that are alternative,” said Alburo.
He said that alternative energy can help address our problems on projected energy shortage as well as the worsening problem on waste and global warming.
Alburo said that alternative energy can be used to lessen the cost and spending on fuel and energy.
He made mention of Tayud Consolacion’s use of biomass system in the thermal applications to make egg trays which has lessened its consumption of 600 liters of diesel fuel.
“We are going to have workshops in the afternoon which can identify where and how to reduce the thirst for power of some establishments,” said Alburo.
Meanwhile, environmental activist and executive director of Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center (FIDEC) Vince Cinches said that the forum will be their venue to enlighten the multi-faceted segment of the community about advocacies that concern the environment and options that they can do to help.
“We are going to invite representatives from local government units, governing boards, civil societies, business sector and people from neighboring provinces so that they can replicate similar efforts and start the ball rolling,” he said.
Cinches added that the forum will also be a platform where they can get commitments from different sectors such as the business and the academe which are one of the major consumers of power.
Among the big firms that confirmed to attend the forum include SM City Cebu, Cebu Holdings and schools like the University of San Carlos, among others. —Rhia de Pablo
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