Environmentalists Say GMA Leaving Legacy of Destruction

Environmentalists Say GMA Leaving Legacy of Destruction

By Reinir Padua

Malaya

26 July 2007

An alliance of environmentalist activists said the country is "moving towards environmental destruction."

At a gathering yesterday, environmental groups presented their own "State of the Nature Address," saying "a devastated environment" will be Arroyo's legacy.

The alliance, calling itself Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy, is composed of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Miriam College's Environmental Studies Institute, the party list Akbayan, Alyansa Tigil Mina, Junk JPEPA Coalition, and Ecological Waste Coalition.

In their "SONA," the groups said Arroyo's track record "shows her low regard for the environment."

They pointed to government's move to revitalize the large-scale mining industry, which they said is done at the expense of the environment and the rights of the indigenous people.

"GMA wants to make mining her administration's engine of growth," the groups said.

They also said the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement Signed by the President in Finland will open the floodgates for the entry of hazardous waste from Japan under the guise of "recyclables."

The groups also cited the conversion of a number of forestlands as alienable and disposable in preparation for the entry of mining companies.

They said there are also disturbing reports of "more anti-environment initiatives" like the planned housing project in the La Mesa Dam reservation, government's consideration of putting up a nuclear power plant, and the appointment of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza as environment secretary.

"Is GMA declaring a state of war on the environment?" they asked. The groups called for the scrapping of the Philippine Mining Act; a moratorium on large-scale mining operations,; junking of the JPEPA; mandatory labeling of products containing GMOs; and moratorium on new releases of new GMO products.