Thursday, November 13, 2008 NorAsian oil exploration exempt from ECC: official
NO ENVIRONMENTAL Compliance Certificate (ECC) was issued to NorAsian Corp. for the oil exploration in the seawaters off Sibonga and Argao, Cebu, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed yesterday.
This is because the projects is considered “exemptable,” an official said.
William Cuñado, who represented EMB-DENR during the Argao-Sibonga Stakeholders’ Dialogue, said that under their screening checklist, the oil exploration project under the supervision of the Department of Energy (DOE) is defined as “exemptable.”
The basis for the exemption is Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 30 of 2006.
Cuñado disclosed the information after a Nor-Asian representative and lawyer Dante Ramos of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) got into a heated debate on the legality of the seismic survey.
The Nor-Asian representative accused those who opposed the seismic survey and oil exploration of grandstanding and publicity-seeking without presenting documents or data as proof.
Lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos said the data Nor-Asian is talking about are supposedly with the DOE, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Local Government Units concerned.
“The government agencies should implement the mandate given them. Why is the burden passed on to those who oppose the project?” Estenzo-Ramos said.
She said there is a conflict on the oil exploration project because their perception is that government agencies are using its powers at the expense of the country’s laws and the rights of fisherfolk.
Estenzo-Ramos said there would have been no conflict had DOE and DENR followed the process. The DENR, she said, should not allow a project that will destroy the environment.
Estenzo-Ramos urged the DOE to stop the project and wait for the decision of the Supreme Court on the case they filed against the oil exploration.
In yesterday’s dialogue, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 7 Director Alejandro Alonso said that even if the oil exploration is a government project, it must consider the plight of poor fisherfolk who are affected.
Alonso said the rights of marginalized fisherfolk are not only limited to basic human rights but also include social, economic and cultural rights.
He said fisherfolk and farmers are marginalized and vulnerable sector who are sometimes subjected to harassment by either private and government groups.
Alonso reminded government officials, especially those from the police and the military, that the Philippines is a member of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations.
“Sagpa sa atong nawong nga (it’s a slap on our face if) as member of this international organization, the Philippine Government is not complying with its obligation”, Alonso said. (EOB)
