By:
Carla P. Gomez - 09:34 PM April 22, 2019
The “human chain” stretched for 229 kilometers from Manapla in Negros
Occidental to La Libertad in Negros Oriental, or the localities under the 45
parishes of the Diocese of San Carlos.
They braved the heat to
fight the entry of a coal-fired power plant in the province. The activity
lasted 30 minutes — from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Fr. Edwin Laude, San
Carlos Diocese pastoral director, said most of the participants were young
because the protest was everybody’s cause.
He said they were
hoping that the activity would educate local leaders and encourage them not to
pursue the construction of the coal-fired power plant in northern Negros
Occidental by the SMC Global Power Holdings Corp.
It’s “very clear” that
San Carlos City officials were supporting the building and operation of the
coal-fired power plant as they were pushing for its realization, Laude said.
“We understand it’s
about politics…politics is used in chaining our people,” he added.
He said they were
banking on provincial government officials to uphold the executive order of
outgoing Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. which declared Negros Occidental as
coal-free.
Vice Governor Eugenio
Jose Lacson, who is expected to win in the gubernatorial race in May after the
local parties in Negros Occidental vowed to support him, has yet to manifest
his stand on the issue.
San Carlos Bishop
Gerardo Alminaza said the diocese is urging residents not to vote for the
candidates supporting the coal-fired power plant in San Carlos.
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He said the “silent majority” in the diocese opposes the entry of the
coal-fired power plant in the province.
“We’re hoping it can be
translated into votes,” he added. /ee
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