By Adrian
Stewart Co -Friday, April 24, 2020
Antique
lone district representative Loren Legarda seeks an explanation from the
Semirara Mining and Power Corporation about the alleged entry of Chinese
vessels to Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique amid lockdown. According to her,
there had already been seven vessels in the island since last month.
MANILA – The Semirara
Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) should give an explanation about the
alleged entry of Chinese vessels to Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique amid the
declaration of a lockdown in the area, according to the province’s lone
district representative Loren Legarda.
Legarda said in a statement on April 22 that there had been already seven vessels since last month inspected by the Bureau of Quarantine, Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration in the island.
In January, Legarda added that she already gave a recommendation to temporarily disallow the entry of Chinese vessels in Antique.
She also questioned the legal basis of the exportation of coal during this coronavirus disease 2019 crisis.
Legarda said in a statement on April 22 that there had been already seven vessels since last month inspected by the Bureau of Quarantine, Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration in the island.
In January, Legarda added that she already gave a recommendation to temporarily disallow the entry of Chinese vessels in Antique.
She also questioned the legal basis of the exportation of coal during this coronavirus disease 2019 crisis.
“The export of coal
from Semirara to the Chinese at this time is not an essential industry. So, why
is there a need for Chinese vessels? This important question begs for an
answer. The welfare of my people is paramount,” Legarda said.
“I cannot reassure my
constituents that all measures taken are sufficient until I have all the
information I need from the company. Even the local governments are not clear
on the protocols they follow,” the former senator added.
“Both the national
government and provincial government directives did not exempt coal exports
from the restrictions. SMPC needs to show their legal basis for the
continuation of these exports to show they are not in violation of these
restrictions,” she further said.
Legarda has been
contacting the officials of SMPC for an explanation.
Earlier this week, Save
Antique Movement released photos and video footage on social media showing
ships it claimed to be Chinese vessels docking in the port of Semirara Island./PN
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