Bataan diocese opposes reviving nuclear plant

by Leslie Ann Aquino September 16, 2016

http://www.mb.com.ph/bataan-diocese-opposes-reviving-nuclear-plant/

The churches in the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan will display streamers opposing the reopening of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said the decision to put up the streamers was reached during their monthly clergy assembly last September 12.

The plant in Morong, Bataan, was finished in 1984 but it never became operational.

“We decided that in all parishes, in all our churches we will put tarpaulins with our stand and messages: ‘Ang BNPP ay hindi pag-asa, ito ay panganib. Ang BNPP ay hindi pag-unlad, ito ay kapahamakan. Ang BNPP ay pagkasira ng buhay, kabuhayan at kalikasan’,” Santos said in an interview.

Other tarpaulins, Santos said will carry the messages: “BNPP: Bunga Nito Pinsala at Pighati” and “Tutol kami. Tigilan na. Tapusin na ang usapin tungkol sa BNPP.”

The bishop said that opposing the reopening of the plant is their main concern since drug addictions is not rampant in the province.

“Our present and main concern in Bataan is the idea of rehabilitation of Bataan nuclear power plant. We said No. We are against. And we will move to block any move about it,” said Santos.

“Drug addictions are not so rampant in the province, and some towns as declared by national government are drug-free. Since before war on drugs, as I came here, it is the program of the Diocese of Sunday Holy Mass at the provincial jail, every first Monday Holy Mass of the bishop at the provincial PNP. With two drug rehabilitation centers, we provide them spiritual assistance and Saturday Holy Masses,” he said.

The Archdiocese of Lipa is also not keen on putting up “Thou Shall Not Kill” streamers in churches saying each archdiocese is independent.

Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, however, stressed that they too are pro-life.

“The province of Batangas, the Archdiocese of Lipa is RED: Respect LIFE; Enhance LIFE; Defend LIFE! We do not adhere only to the 5th commandment WAG KANG PAPATAY ng drug addict (pusher or lord),but also the unborn, the hungry, the prisoner, as well as the trees,  the birds, the insects, the fish. We are with Pope FRANCIS and Mother Mary, Mother and Queen of Creation, grieving for the poor and the creatures laid waste by human power,” Arguelles said.