Mayor: No other source of power but coal

Sunstar Davao

MAYOR Sara Duterte said there is no available power source that would suffice Davao Region's energy needs but the proposed coal-fired plant.

Duterte said she leaves the decision on the AboitizPower Corp. proposal to the City Council.

"I distance myself from vehemently opposing the proposal because I see no other alternative," Duterte said on Monday, adding that one of her prime obligations as mayor is to ensure that there is enough power supply not only for Davao City.

The City Council committee on energy, transportation, and communication has already conducted a public hearing regarding the proposal twice since last month.

Councilor Pilar Braga, chair of the committee on energy, transportation and communication, earlier said they might decide on the proposed P400 billion investment of the Aboitiz before the end of April.

Meanwhile, Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier expressed his approval to the proposed 300 megawatt coal-fired plant project, for as long as there are facilities that will ensure that the plant is not harmful to the environment.

The vice mayor added he is irked by allegations of some groups that are insisting for other sources of energy.

Greenpeace International, an environmental group, is among those that oppose the power plant project. The group said the proposed power plant can cause deterioration to the environment and affect the health of the community living within the vicinity of the plant.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 13, 2011.