By Bohol Standard
Chapters of Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) led by Bokkana-Bohol and the fisherfolk led alliance Defend Panglao Movement claims a monumental victory after the Provincial Board of Bohol officially handed down its decision scrapping the controversial Panglao reclamation project.
In an interview, Pamalakaya national chairperson Fernando Hicap described the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) decision as a giant kill against reclamation giants who want to make money from privatizing the coastal waters of Panglao.
“We are happy with the decision. It is long-running legal and political battle. Finally the fisherfolk of Panglao have won their battle against corporate interest and bureaucrat capitalists in relation to reclamation project,†said Hicap.
The Pamalakaya leader said the decisive battle and victory in Panglao should inspire other fishing communities with ongoing fight against reclamation. Hicap cited coastal communities along Manila Bay and Laguna Lake, Cordova in Cebu and Boracay in Aklan province which are currently embroiled in a class war against reclamation projects.
Hicap said credits should go to Bokkana-Bohol, the provincial chapter of Pamalakaya, Anakpawis party list and Defend Panglao Movement which organized the people to oppose the destructive project and rally other concerned groups to join the protest movement against the reclamation project.
Last Friday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan announced the scrapping of the proposed man-made island project within Panglao Bay. Vice governor Concepcion Lim said members of the provincial board views “the proposed project ‘presents a clear and present danger’ to the healthy biodiversity and sensitive marine environment within the offshore area of Panglao Bayâ€.
In a committee recommendation, the SP likewise urged Gov. Edgar Chatto to “withdraw the application for reclamation filed with the Philippines Reclamation Authority (PRA).
According to First District Board Member Abeleon Damalerio, who chairs the environment committee, the provincial board also approved another resolution “opposing the establishment of any form of reclamation within the shores of Panglao Island.â€
Aside from Dalamerio, other provincial board members who signed the resolution include Godofreda Tirol, tourism vice-chairman Dr. Romulo Cepedoza and environment committee member Dr. Beinvenido Molina.
However, board member Engr. Gerardo Garcia who is closely identified with former Gov. Aumentado did not affix his signature in the said report as certified by stenographers Josefina Gulle, Diodora Acedo and attested by committee secretary Romeo Jaum.
Pamalakaya said SP's junking of the proposed reclamation project was based on narrative findings on legal, social/economic and environmental considerations as reported by Damalerio.
Contrary to claims describing the project as “a juicy proposal,†the SP found that it is a “grossly disadvantageous transaction" since the province has “totally surrendered its environmental and zoning responsibilities†to the project proponent, the eight page SP committee report said.
In addition, the SP said that the province “will be incurring costs†that are not being considered by the proponent. Oasis Leisure Islands Development Inc. (OLIDI), according to the lawmakers, is "not qualified to undertake†the project since it has no track record being just newly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with a capitalization of only P12 million represented by a group under Norris Oculam.
THE PROJECT
The Panglao reclamation project is supposed to develop five clusters of islands for eco-tourism.
The first one of about 150 hectares is intended for commercial and recreation areas, convention centers, hotels and other facilities; the second island (150 has.) is for institutional and residential, spas and medical tourism facilities; and the third one (75 has.) would house for small commercial establishments such dive and souvenir shops and apartment for people who work here.
The fourth island (70 has.) would be reserved for nature's park or camping grounds or fishing for commercial use. Here, “private sector can be tapped for coral planting and other marine-based initiatives for the conservation and protection of the environment.†The fifth cluster of islets (5 has.) can be acquired privately, the paper said.
The SP admitted that the decision to scrap the proposed reclamation was anchored on the strongly worded recommendation done by a Manila based group of top-notch Boholanos composed of “physical, economic, political scientists and legal experts,†who expressed a strong objection to the project.
UNENFORCEABLE
The SP also argued that former governor Erico Aumentado has not given any authority to effect the project adding that was given to the ex-governor was only for negotiation and that no resolution was passed allowing the former governor to enter into and sign contract with the reclamation proponents.
“Hence, it concluded that the JVDA (Joint Venture Development Agreement) “is unenforceable against the provincial government†and OLIDI “cannot demand from the current administration confirmation of the reclamation phase.â€
The SP's opposition to stop the project has reinforced the contention of Panglao lawmakers when the latter passed Municipal Resolution No. 140, 2011, series of 2010 on October 10, 2010, “strongly objecting the establishment of any form of reclamation projects within the municipal waters of Panglao, Bohol,†considering that the area where the project is to be undertaken is “haven of coral diversity and a sanctuary of diverse marine resourcesâ€, the SP decision added.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=44761.0
Topic: Boholanos Rejoice Over Stoppage of Panglao Reclamation Project (Read 2169 times)