Bishop issues manifesto opposing coal-fired plant north of Manila

Pulpits become politicized as churches convey prelate's call for healthier alternative

Bishop Daniel Oca Presto of San Fernando in the Philippines has thrown his weight behind moves to stop the construction of a 670-megawatt coal-fired power plant, which he claims would destroy the local environment.

The proposed plant would be located close to a popular, 3-kilometer pebble beach and several resorts.

Global Luzon Energy Development Corp. plans to build the plant on a 41-hectare plot of land bordering the coastal villages of Carisquis and Sur in Luna town, about 40 kilometers north of Manila, according to newsinfo.inquirer.net.

Bishop Presto has issued a "manifesto" opposing the plant and called on authorities to seek other, less harmful sources of energy. The manifesto has been read at Masses across the diocese in recent weeks.

No one has the "absolute sovereignty to do what he or she pleases over creations, especially exploiting it for the benefit of the few," it read.

"Instead, as good and faithful stewards, we should take good care of a creation and leave it in condition even better than when it was found," Presto continued.

"We consider ourselves accountable and responsible in passing the same as a common heritage of the next generations. As much as we are able to do, we prevent disasters from happening," the prelate added.

Luna Mayor Victor Marvin Marron has welcomed the project, saying it would create jobs and improve local electricity supplies. He also said the contractor had agreed to put in place environmental safeguards.

Not everyone was convinced by such reassurances. Grocery store worker Jen Palaroan summed up local feeling by saying the plant would "ruin our beautiful town and cause health problems. I will do everything to oppose it."

Meanwhile, the country is in the grip of a growing measles outbreak. Over 1,500 cases and 26 deaths have been reported so far this year, prompting authorities to urge all citizens to get vaccinated, CNN reports.