|
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Mayor shrugs off threats from plantation owners
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Rodrigo Duterte challenged banana growers in the city to show him scientific proof that aerial spraying is not harmful to people's health so he could reconsider his stand against it.
Duterte warned banana growers not to threaten the City Government with the possibility of withdrawing their investments just so they could get what they want.
"They could transfer. Go. We can adjust. I have to take care of the health of the people. I am not there to protect the interest of the corporate farmers. I don't want being threatened. Somehow we will survive," Duterte said.
The mayor said he is also doing his own research on the issue and many of his sources say that aerial spraying of pesticides in banana plantations has detrimental effects on the people living in the area.
"The bulk of the studies that I have read say that it is harmful to the human being. Therefore my stand is against aerial spraying. But if you can show to me that it is more productive and not harmful to the human being, I might reconsider my stand," Duterte said.
On the possibility of investment withdrawals by affected banana corporations, Duterte said the city will just have to let them go.
Many councilors believe that Duterte's stand against aerial spraying is a major factor in the "expeditious" deliberation by the City Council on the proposal of its banning.
One official who requested anonymity revealed that Duterte had already met with all the councilors where he made his position clear on the issue.
With no doubt where the mayor stands, the official said, they can't help but toe the line, especially so with elections coming near.
"It will be difficult if we are not included in the mayor's line-up of candidates," the official said.
Duterte however said that his statement is not meant to influence the City Council.
"I do not want to pre-empt the City Council. Remember that they lay the policy of the city, it's not me," Duterte said.
The mayor however admitted that if ever the council would not pass an ordinance banning aerial spraying in the city then he might consider issuing an executive order for the same purpose. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
(August 30, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Military tightens grip on Mindanao as fighting erupts