GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/27 Sept) -- The campaign against the coal-power power plant planned to be set up in Sarangani province has gained an ally in world boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao. 

“I swear that I will protect our seas and will not allow anyone to pollute the air that we breathe,” Pacquiao said.

He announced his stand against the power plant, which is facing a church-led opposition, while undergoing training in Baguio City for his bout against Miguel Angel Cotto next month. It was published in his column “Kumbinasyon” that regularly appears in a national tabloid. 

Pacquiao, who chairs the Mindanao-wide Task Force Save Earth, pointed out that coal-fired power plants all over the world, including those in the United States, are being shutdown due to their ill effects.

He pointed out that coal plants are the major cause of acid rain.

Pacquiao has expressed his plan to run for a congressional seat representing Sarangani, where the coal plant will be constructed. It will be built near a dive spot in the town of Maasim.

He said the proponent, Conal Holdings Corp., has “no permission” from the people of Maasim to build the controversial project. He stressed that only a few influential families, particularly the Alcantaras, will benefit from the project while the majority will be put in peril.

The Alcantaras’ Alsons Corp. owns 60 percent of Conal Holdings, the rest by the Electricity Generating Public Co., Thailand’s largest power producer.

Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, a member of the Alcantara clan, has expressed support for the coal plant, saying it will boost the province’s economy. But he warned Conal Holdings to comply with government regulations on environmental and other aspects or it would not be allowed to operate.

Joseph C. Nocos, Conal Holdings vice president, said the firm welcomes opposition to the project but is open to dialogues to thresh out concerns. “We assure you the project will put in place sufficient measures to protect the environment compliant to domestic and international standards,” he said.

Pacquiao’s move was praised by the local Catholic Church, which is leading the multi-sectoral opposition to the project.

“A popular person like [Mr.] Pacquiao hopefully can encourage more people to stand up against the coal plant. Global warming is such a serious threat to life and livelihood not only to the future but more so to the present [generation],” said Fr. Romeo Q. Catedral, social action director of the Diocese of Marbel.

“We hope Mr. Pacquiao will influence the National Government to scrap the Alcantara-led project and to resort to a policy of coming up with renewable, environment-friendly energy sources,” he added. (MindaNews)

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