#HumanRights #ClimateJustice

Quezon City, Philippines—The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) expresses staunch support for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) latest endorsement of 20 renewable energy (RE) power plants for grid system impact studies (SIS). The projects comprise mostly solar, wind, and hydro, totalling an RE capacity of 2,774MW.

This brings the total endorsements to 175 power projects, 158 of which are RE power plants. We are eager to work with the local government and corporations in ensuring the just and equitable implementation of these RE projects alongside the communities they are based in.

However, PMCJ stands strongly against the endorsement of the remaining fossil fuel projects. Among the latest batch endorsed in December is the 169-megawatt expansion of the coal-fired power plant of Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) under Aboitiz Power, adding to the two already existing coal plants with a combined installed capacity of 338MW. The site is based in Sitio Looc, Barangay Bato in Toledo City, Cebu, which is along the Tanon Strait Protected Seascape.

Teody Navea, Chapter Convenor of PMCJ Cebu, spoke of the threat the coal-fired power plant poses on the marine habitat. “The seascape is home to over 14 species of whales and dolphins, and other vulnerable species like the dugong. This expansion is an unnecessary risk to this marine ecosystem. In the long run, emissions from this power plant will only add to the temperature rise that will imperil marine life beyond this protected area.”

Emissions from the coal plant also threaten the health of the communities around it. This is attested to by the Limpyong Hangin alang sa Tanan (LAHAT), an organization formed to push for the welfare of the local community.

LAHAT has filed up to four formal complaints regarding the air quality in the area. “The Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR deemed the TVI power plants compliant with existing standards, despite the worsening air quality in the area,” explained Lito Vasquez, Public Policy Analyst of PMCJ Visayas. “This goes back to the fact that our air quality standards are low compared to guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). We need to raise the bar such that the health of the environment and people come first.”

The TVI was also under fire for two facility explosions in 2019 and 2020. This expansion, if approved, will be the 9th coal plant in Toledo alone, worsening the already poor respiratory conditions of its residents. Due to these ongoing environmental and health risks, LAHAT and PMCJ stand in opposition to all ongoing and upcoming fossil fuel projects in Toledo.

PMCJ calls for the DOE to withdraw its endorsement of the TVI fossil fuel expansion project. Coordinate with the local communities and organizations to investigate the impacts of said fossil fuel project, and rehabilitate the surrounding area.

Lastly, we encourage the DOE to continue in its effort to develop RE in the Philippines and to stay true to our government’s commitments to pursue 100% RE.

END FOSSIL FUELS NOW!
PUSH FOR 100% RE!

FOR INQUIRIES: Raymond Ruedas (mediacommunications@climatejustice.ph) 09274382015

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