Official: Follow EO on coal—for now

PENDING the approval of the proposed ordinance banning coal-fired power plants in Negros Occidental, a provincial government official said the just-issued Executive Order (EO) declaring the province as coal-free has to rule.

Fifth District Board Member Alain Gatuslao, chairman of the Provincial Board (PB) committee on laws and ordinances, said the EO is the sentiment of the executive branch of the Provincial Government.

However, for it to be operational in the actual exercise with implementing rules and regulations, there’s a need to wait for the supporting ordinance from the PB, Gatuslao said.

“The EO should be the dominating policy for now, thus, it has to be followed,” the official said, saying he personally hopes that it will not be contradicted by the presentations of the PB committees on energy and environment.

On Wednesday, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. issued EO No. 19-08 Series of 2019, declaring the province as a source of clean and renewable energy, and a coal-free province.

According to the EO, the 1987 Constitution provides that the state shall protect and advance the right of the Filipinos to a balanced and healthful ecology in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

It also provides that the exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the state.

The order cited Local Government Code of 1991, stating that the provincial governor shall adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest and other resources in the province in coordination with mayors of component localities.

The Renewable Energy (RE) Act of 2008, the EO said, provides that it is the state’s policy to encourage the development and utilization of RE sources as tools to effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions and thereby balance the goals of economic growth and development with the protection of health and environment.

“More and more countries have been decommissioning its coal-fired power plants due to the damage it causes to the environment, and in fact, have been shifting to RE projects,” it said, adding that with proper technology transfer, the province has the landscape, capacity and resources for further development and investment in RE projects.

These projects will not only address the energy supply but will also maintain the agricultural, economic and social landscape of the province, it said.

The order also pushes for the establishment of the Provincial Renewable Energy Council, the lead in formulating measures encouraging RE programs for a greener and energy-sufficient province.

It can be recalled that as early as last October, Marañon proposed to the PB an ordinance declaring the entire Negros Occidental as coal-free, clean energy, and environment-friendly province.

In the EO, the governor reiterated his recommendation to the PB to issue an RE Ordinance, further stating an opposition to the setting up of a coal-fired power plant anywhere within the province.

Gatuslao said that if ever the PB “overturns” the EO of the governor by passing an ordinance allowing coal-fired power plants in the province, it would mean another set of discussions.

Gatuslao, however, said he doesn’t see any problem with the Provincial Board. “The committees, I think, would like to just finish the hearings and ensure due process before issuing a final stand,” he said.

“Anytime soon, it might come out. In fact, we are also waiting for it to be presented to the body so we can vote,” he continued. He supports the move for a coal-free province.

Also, the PB member pointed out that though the local government unit can issue permits and licenses to proponent firms, it still needs to obtain a Resolution of No Ojection (Rono) from the PB.

“It would still be a difficult situation if positions are conflicting,” Gatuslao added.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier said the PB is not delaying the process on whether or not, to approve the ordinance as committees on energy and environment are still doing a series of hearings.

Lacson said people must remember the long term implications of the new proposed measure. “We should be careful in passing judgment to the governor’s request,” he added.

For Third District Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, chairman of the committee on energy, they cannot rush it and compromise the power need of the province in the future.

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