Sanlakas group protests DOE’s ‘dependence’ on coal plants

CEBU, Philippines - In response to the nationwide action led by Sanlakas and its allied organizations, Sanlakas Cebu yesterday took to the streets and “dramatized” its call to end the use of coal.

Spearheaded by a group of young people wearing body paints to represent “evil,” they marched from Colon Street to the regional office of the Department of Energy. They carried letters that together read “Coal Kills.”

Teody Navea, Sanlakas Cebu secretary-general, said that their nationally coordinated action was done in time for the culmination of the worldwide “break free from fossil fuel campaign.”

Sanlakas and its allied organizations is putting pressure on the DOE to review its energy plan which, according to them, was clearly attuned to the subscription of utilizing “dirty energy” in the next decade.

In a statement, Navea said President Rodrigo Duterte has already signed the Paris Treaty which compels every nation to fulfill drastic reduction of carbon emissions.

“Ironically, the energy department is playing deaf ears and is still keen on pursuing dirty source of energy and concretely bolster the country's dependence on coal," he said.

Navea said the people has opposed the planned construction of coal-fired power plant by LUDO Company in Barangay Sawang Calero, Cebu City and the very recent court order won by the Aboitiz company for the right to build another 300 MW in the City of Naga and the expansion of KEPCO for an additional 300 MW plant.

"If the plans of these companies will push through, Cebu can now be adjudged as ‘Coal Capital’ in the country for harboring many coal mining (endeavors) and coal-fired power plants," he added.

For him, the DOE must take the cue from the president and instead lead the way in implementing radical solutions by ending the dependence on coal as source of energy.

Navea said added that the DOE must do their share by overhauling its ambitious plan to favor the high potential of renewables in the next decade.

He said a “scientific study” showed that the Philippines, has potential for a 200,000-megawatt renewable energy that can be sourced from solar, wind, geothermal and hydro power. (FREEMAN)