Sunstar Davao
DAVAO CITY Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vowed to conduct a public hearing on Aboitiz's proposal to build a coal-fired power plant in the city.
"This is to ensure that the voice of the people would prevail," the vice mayor said.
Based on the proposal, imported coal will be dropped at Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and will be transported to the nearby Binugao, Toril, Davao City where the power plant will be constructed once approved by the City Government.
The Municipal Council of Sta. Cruz already approved the application of Aboitiz for the use of their wharf in the transport of coal to Davao City.
Meanwhile, the vice mayor again defended the city councilors who are accused of receiving alleged P6,000 "send-off" money from Aboitiz during a recent visit to Steag power plant in Misamis Oriental.
Councilor Emmanuel Galicia admitted having received P6,000 from Aboitiz, but he said the Aboitiz explained that the money was reimbursement for the expenses incurred by the city officials during the trip.
Though an official trip, Duterte said the City Council has not allotted budget for the trip since it was not included in its budget.
"I told Davao Light, you pay for that expense. That's part of your application. It's crazy to imagine the councilors to be spending their own money," he added.
Duterte said the proposed coal-fired power plant to be operated by Aboitiz here will cost P25 billion. He said P6,000 in exchange for an approval for such a huge project is simply preposterous.
The vice mayor jested that not even a private plane ride or a five-star hotel accommodation, or a P100,000 shopping money could make him decide in favor of the coal-fired plant simply because of the favors afforded to him.
Duterte, however, admitted early though that a coal-fired power plant is needed in the near future, as he expects a power crisis five years from now.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 07, 2011.
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