RP Energy lauds CA ruling

MANILA, Philippines - Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) lauded yesterday the decision of the Court of Appeals denying the privilege of the writ of kalikasan and the application for an environmental protection order (EPO) against the company’s 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant project in Subic.

In its decision, the court said the oppositors failed to prove allegations that the construction and operation of the plant would cause environmental damage.

Furthermore, the decision upheld the authority of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to amend the environmental compliance certificate.

Civil society groups, including Bayan Muna party-list, have been opposing RP Energy’s coal plant in Subic.

RP Energy, for its part, said it is working with its partners such as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the Department of Energy, the DENR and local government units to be able to provide an efficient and environment-friendly power plant in the country.

A number of residents from Subic, Zambales are also asking the government to push for the construction of a power plant in their area.

In a petition signed by more than 400 residents of Brgy. Cawag in Subic, Zambales led by its chairman Arthur Garcia, the group said the power plant would help in the development of their community.