GOVERNOR-ELECT Eugenio Jose Lacson said he will not refile or re-endorse the proposed ordinance to declare Negros Occidental as "coal-free."
He said that right now, the executive order issued by outgoing Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. does not carry much weight.
"My position still stands that I will not stand in the way of the decision of the city officials of San Carlos City. If they will allow it, then it shall happen," Lacson said.
He also pointed out that he will first consult with his legal adviser if there is a need to revoke the executive order issued by Marañon declaring that only clean and renewable sources of energy will be allowed in their province.
"It was just a declaration made by Marañon without an ordinance to support it. So it is not the official stand of the province," Lacson said.
He added that it would depend on the composition of the incoming board members if they will take up the said ordinance.
The ordinance has not been acted upon by the outgoing Provincial Board.
The committees on energy and environment, which were tasked to conduct hearings, have not submitted any report yet.
Board Member Romel Debulgado, chair of the committee on environment, said Wednesday, June 19, that they already visited the coal plant in Iloilo City.
There was no significant impact on the environment despite being located in the city proper, Debulgado said.
It also spurred economy in the surrounding communities, he added.
Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, who chairs the committee on energy, said he is willing to share the initial information gathered by the committee pertaining to the issue.