Greenpeace hits deals with 2 Russian firms

MANILA, Philippines — An environmental group on Monday assailed the Duterte administration for striking deals with two Russian corporations involved in nuclear energy and oil and gas exploration, citing its reports of their questionable safety records, problematic environmental impacts and vulnerability to corruption.

In his recent visit to Russia, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi inked a partnership with Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear company, to study the feasibility of constructing nuclear power plants in the Philippines.

Presiden Rodrigo Duterte also reportedly invited Russia’s top oil producer Rosneft to invest particularly in oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea.

But Greenpeace Philippines said both companies were plagued with issues concerning safety risks and environmental protection.

“The stance of the Department of Energy and President Duterte on these could potential lock the country into an era of dangerous and dirty energy,” said Khevin Yu, the group’s climate and energy campaigner. —Jhesset O. Enano