SC issues writ of kalikasan on coal-fired plant in Subic

Philippine Star Updated August 03, 2012 11:11 AM 

SUBIC, Philippines - Anti-coal plant groups in Subic scored big against the Redondo Peninsula Energy Corporation after the Supreme Court (SC) issued a writ of kalikasan against the construction of its 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Subic.
The high court included as respondents in the writ of kalikasan Environment Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy). The writ was issued July 31,
The SC ordered RP Energy to answer within 10 days the petitioners' claim that the proponent of the coal plant violated its environmental impact statement and environment compliance certificate (ECC).
The group added that an ECC was issued without complying with the condition of affected people and without prior approval of the local government units.
The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber for Health and Environment Conservation (SBF-CHECH), a group based in Subic against the coal plant, said in a statement that “this small Victory boosts the people’s trust in our judiciary to lawfully protect our environment and health."
“This is the people big score in protecting our environment and health in light of the other unavoidable disaster,” Jen Velarmino, director of SBF-CHECH, said. “This is encouraging news to us resident and business who are opposing dirty coal energy.”
The SC has referred the case to the Court of Appeals.
Just last week some 1,500 residents in Olongapo held a protest rally against the coal plant.
RP Energy has yet to make a formal statement about the ruling.
RP Energy is composed of Manila Electric Co., Taiwan Cogeneration Corp. and Aboitiz Power Corp., which plans to build a 600-MW coal-fired power plant in Subic. - Anthony Bayarong     source