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Cebu was identified as the recipient of power generated by geothermal power plants on Negros Oriental even before coal-fired power plants were even considered.
Yet, Cebu preferred coal-fired power plants, said environmentalist and presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas.
?Cebu was earmarked to receive the excess in geothermal energy in Negros that is now diverted to Panay Island. I am shocked Cebu preferred coal over geothermal,? said Perlas, who filed his certificate of candidacy for president yesterday.
He said geothermal power plants in the country can produce more power than what is demanded of them.
Perlas pointed out that the Philippines has over 25,000 megawatts (MW) reserve in geothermal energy, ?one of the largest in the world.?
?In a country that is volcanic, with technology that can harness steam, I wonder why they prefer coal in Cebu,? he added.
Perlas said he is opposed to the construction of coal-fired power plants.
?The environmental impacts of coal is very clear. The (notion that) coal is cheap is not true if you factor in other costs on health and other aspects,? he said. ?With coal, you are stuck with an unwise decision (whose effects) would last for decades.?
Perlas said he spoke with executives of the Energy Development Corp., and was told that excess geothermal power from Negros was originally committed to Cebu, not Panay.
?But this changed when Cebu decided to accept coal,? he said.
Perlas said that caring for the environment is ?multidimensional.?
?The way I understand environment is holistic. Whatever happens to the environment is an expression of a range of factors, it can be cultural... political, economic. Spirituality is also involved,? he said.
?The Philippines is experiencing massive deterioration in all these sides.?
In his bid to run for president, Perlas said he preferred working with civil society groups, especially in Cebu.
?Cebu is a very important area in terms of calculation of votes and density of population,? Perlas said.
?I am trying to avoid endorsement of local politicians. This will just taint (my campaign). I think that is a kiss of death. I am building a parallel infrastructure of support from people who have no voice, through the people?s organizations and citizen?s groups.?
He said the influence of Cebu ?goes beyond Cebu City,? citing that he met many Cebuano-speaking individuals even in Mindanao.
Perlas said he has seven coordinators working for him in the province. But he hoped to expand the number to one for each town and city.
He said one aspect of his political agenda was to encourage civil society?s active participation in governance.
In filing his candidacy yesterday, Perlas said he wanted to lead the country away from ?politics of impunity.?
He cited last week?s massacre in Maguindanao, in pledging to create the political environment conducive for ?authentic choices? and change.
He said Filipinos are ?tired of choosing between lesser evils and greater evils? during the elections and ?want real change and authentic choices.?
Perlas, 59, said that apart from being ready to spend P2 million from his personal funds, he would rely on volunteers for his campaign.
He said he had yet to pick a running mate and a senatorial slate since his standard for ?new politics? was ?too high? for potential partners, most of whom were ?only concerned about winning.?
He said his platform also involved poverty eradication, moral and effective governance, social justice, comprehensive education reform and visionary initiatives. /WITH INQUIRER
