SUAL—A signature campaign opposing the construction of another power plant in this town was launched here.

The manifesto opposes the proposed construction of another coal-fired power plant in Sual that will be constructed by the Phimma Energy Corp. (formerly Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corporation) in Barangay Baquioen–Mangas area.

Rosanna Soriano, head of Save Sual Movement, said the signature drive was launched early this month after meeting with Catholic Diocese of Alaminos City.

“We should show we care for our town and ventilate our concerns,” she said. “There is already an existing power plant here, so why add another one?” she added.

“This is in full support of the present Duterte Administration’s advocacy on renewable energy which is being pushed by the Department of Natural Resources headed by Sec. Gina Lopez. Building another coal-fired power plant runs contrary to this advocacy,” the oppositors said.

A memorandum of agreement was signed between Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corporation led by Francisco Viray and the municipal government, headed by Mayor Roberto Arcinue, for the construction of another power plant in this town amounting to $1- billion.

Arcinue said there were six public hearings in the barangay and three public hearings were held at the municipal hall and there was no opposition. However, the protesting group claimed that public consultations were all shams since they did not invite all parties and no debates were held.

“They could not claim we have violation because we followed the procedures,” Arcinue said. “There is no affected farmer to tell you the truth,” he added.

He said the movement only has nine people members, “but there are 35,000 in Sual”.

Arcinue added that the reason of the movement’s opposition about the ill effects on the fishing and farming of residents here is baseless.

The manifesto read: “We denounce the construction of a 900 megawatt coal-fired power plant that would imperil the lives of the people of Sual due to its health risks and harmful effects to the environment. We have a first-hand experience of these ill effects since the operation of the first coal-fired power plant owned by Team Energy Corporation (Barangay Pangascasan, Sual).

The town presently hosts a 1,218 MW coal-fired power plant operated by TeaM Energy in Barangay Pangascasan built in 1996.

Arcinue pointed out that town’s residents will be given additional opportunities for employment, cheaper and more reliable electricity.

He warned that there will be shortage of electricity in three years if no power plant constructed today. To construct a power plant, it takes three to four years, he added. “Electricity reserve now is very thin,” he added.

“In five years, we will be another Subic,” he said.

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