"There will be no compromise. They will have to go in six months because what is at stake here are the lives of Manileños, especially those living in the area," he said in a statement.
Atienza issued the policy in reaction to a claim reportedly made by the three oil firms that it would take them at least 10 years to move the facility to another site.
"Ten years ago they said it would take them 10 years to transfer. Now they are saying the same thing. We are not interested anymore in hearing that it cannot be done or it would take a long time. They should now prepare their technical requirements and start moving out because we will not accept any more delays," Atienza said. The STAR tried but failed to reach the three oil firms for reactions, as offices were closed yesterday.
Atienza also brushed aside the claim reportedly made by the three oil giants that the transfer of the depot facility to another location would entail substantial costs which in turn, could lead to an increase in the prices of oil and petroleum products.
"They are engaged in business and they should be prepared to make the necessary investments. This issue is beyond pesos and centavos, it is not about taxes or revenues or a possible increase in the prices of petroleum products. At any given time, there are about 300 million liters of fuel and other petroleum products at the oil depot. The issue here is lives that continue to be at risk because of the presence of the facility," Atienza said.
Atienza added the city government would not renew the licenses and permits for the operation of oil depot facilities on January 2002.
It will be recalled that the Pandacan oil depot facility has been identified by the military and the police as among the probable targets of terrorist attacks in the metropolis.
"There are no security or safety measures that could guarantee that a catastrophe would not take place. We can only undertake preventive measures. But there is really no absolute defense against a deliberate attack especially by elements who are willing to use the most unconventional and brutal means," Atienza said.
As this developed, Atienza lashed out at the Department of Energy and at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for their alleged disregard of the order of President Arroyo to have the depot facility immediately transferred.
"Not only are they disregarding the position of the President. They are also, in effect, placing the life of the President at risk by not acting more decisively on this matter," he pointed out. The Presidential Palace is located near the depot.
"The Bureau of Fire Protection has stated that they are not equipped to deal with a fire of such great magnitude if ever it occurs. The Presidential Security Group has stated that if a fire breaks out at the oil depot, they would have to evacuate the President and her family on foot. Are they waiting for a catastrophe to happen? Do they even want to take the risk?" asked Atienza.