Activists back Duterte’s renewable energy order

Church and pro-environment groups in the Philippines have called on state agencies and private corporations, including those handling funds of Catholic institutions and religious congregations, to follow a presidential directive to hasten development of renewable energy sources.President Rodrigo Duterte issued the directive to reduce the country’s dependency of coal during his annual address to Congress on July 22.

The group “Power 4 People Coalition” said the directive was proof of the growing strength of citizens, consumers, and engaged sectors in pressing for sustainable development through clear, affordable, and renewable energy. 

But while hailing the “timely” directive, coalition members urged the Department of Energy to follow it, citing inconsistencies, like the recent granting of an environmental compliance certificate for a coal plant on the tourist island of Palawan, south of Manila. 

The green activists challenged the government to review permits given to several “energy projects of national significance” given to coal plants in several provinces.

Father Edwin Gariguez, head of the social action secretariat of the bishops’ conference, said local governments and the private sector should show a sense of urgency amid growing problems related to climate change. 

“We need to wake them up,” said the priest. “We need to be shaken by reality, and it cannot be business as usual,” he said.

He reiterated his earlier call for Catholic institutions and the laity to join bishops in campaigns to phase out coal-fired power plants and halt coal mining. 

Erwin Puhawan, of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, said environmental groups should monitor coal-related development programs. 

“We hope Duterte wasn’t just mouthing empty words,” he said.

Avril de Torres of the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development, warned that the government’s track record has been patchy, often overturning policies aimed at pushing the development of renewable energy. 

She said coal investors have actually benefited from the quick approval of projects under a program granting privileges to “energy projects of national significance.”

While the government presented the program as a way to boost employment and mitigate impact on the environment, de Torres said more non-renewable energy projects are beneficial.

“There are many criteria, but one needs to comply with only one to be declared an ‘energy project of national significance,'” she pointed out.

The government’s issuing of permits for energy projects within 30 days often catch communities flat-footed, she said. 

The process tends to run roughshod over the social acceptability process, raising the danger of scant oversight and a review of potential environmental problems.

Of 148 new energy projects, 48 percent involve fossil fuels and only seven percent represent renewable energy, de Torres said.

The government’s energy blueprint also eyes an increase in coal-fired power plants to 41 from the current 28, she warned.

That contradicts the president’s State of the Nation remarks, she added.

Kevin Yu of Greenpeace said solar energy projects comprise only 3.86 percent of all enterprises, while coal has a 36 percent stake.

Asked if he has trust in the president’s latest directive on coal, Father Gariguez said, “We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.”

“But if he goes back on his word, then he is no longer believable as president,” said the priest.

Mark Saludes contributed to this report.