Green groups challenge presidential bets to take a stand on critical environmental and social issues

Environmental groups under Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) noted the presidential candidates who expressed opposition against the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Plant (BNPP) in a forum held on Monday but challenged the presidential bets to express their stand on other environmental and social issues as well.

"Opposing the revival of the BNPP is a popular position to take, especially since the news of the revival of the BNPP has caused a stir among the general public who for some time already believed that given its environmental and economic issues, the BNPP have long been laid to rest.  It would be good to also hear their position on such popular calls as to junk the Mining Act of 1995, stop the construction of new coal-fired power plants, cancel commercial logging permits, and the closure of the Laiban dam," said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the Kalikasan PNE.

"These issues and calls have been the demand of communities and the basic sectors on the issue of the environment. If they truly represent the interests of the people then they would correctly align with them and oppose any national policy or project that is detrimental to our people and the environment's welfare." expressed Mr. Bautista.

The junking of the Mining Act of 1995 for one is persistent call of environmentalists and mining affected communities as it legalizes the liberalization of our mining industry and permits 100% foreign corporations to utilize and profit from our mineral resources. Commercial and large-scale mining has brought nothing but poverty, environmental degradation, economic and physical displacements and countless human rights violations to our communities.

"Yet the people should also remind themselves that such positions will stand to be realized only if the presidentiable’s background and track-record also shows clear environmental and pro-people position," said Clemente Bautista.

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III , Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Jamby Madrigal , Bro. Eddie Villanueva , JC delos Reyes, Nicanor Perlas and Gilberto Teodoro Jr. were the presidential aspirants who stated opposition against the said nuclear power plant.

"A candidate must not just actively promote pro-people and pro-environment policies but also a kind of governance different from our current one. The national policies pushed by President Arroyo have brought massive environmental degradation and poverty to our people. To speak favorably on certain issues is one thing but to represent the corrupt administration is a grave contradiction to the interests of the people," expressed Mr. Bautista

The group criticized Gilberto Teodoro Jr. of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, who is standard-bearer of the Arroyo administration’s party and also the cousin of Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuanco, the main proponent of the BNPP revival.

"Mr. Teodoro is sure to push for and implement the same policies of the current administration and favor the interests of his clan over the people despite what he claims," said Bautista.

Bautista furthered, "We have seen how power hungry Mrs. Arroyo is and she would utilize all means for her to remain in power. A presidential candidate or any politician who is a known ally and associate will be a sure adversary of the people and environment."

The group insists that for candidates to be considered pro-environment, they must have a clear stand on other social issues such as corruption and extra-judicial killings and must genuinely condemn the current anti-people and anti-environment regime.