Salcon, which is proposing to build additional coal-fired power plants to its existing plant in Colon, Naga, had sent a letter to Provincial Board member Victor Maambong, asking to have the hearing reset until it secures a clearance from its Manila office.
"In this situation, we need a clearance from Manila," Maambong quoted Salcon's letter, which was faxed to his office yesterday morning.
Maambong, chairman of the PB committee on environment, said the officials of the power plant were invited to present their project and shed light on some issues raised by opposition groups regarding the expansion of their coal-fired power plants.
On the other hand, Naga town officials, upon learning that Salcon management was not attending the hearing, also declined to show up. Also in a letter faxed to the office of Maambong, Naga Mayor Ferdinand Chiong said it would be useless for the town officials to appear if Salcon was not around because participants would still not be able to hear the side of the project's proponent.
Maambong had called for a public hearing at the new Capitol legislative building to provide a neutral ground for all concerned to air their concerns on the project.
After the public hearing, the committee is expected to make a decision either endorsing or blocking the project, which is expected to start next year. The Environmental Management Bureau will consider the results of the public hearings whether it would grant Salcon's application for environmental compliance certificate.
Due to the absence of Salcon management and Naga town officials, Maambong, with the consent of those who were invited to the hearing, reset the activity to either September 16 or September 22.
"It would be useless if the proponent of the project is not present because we would only be hearing one side. It would be like shadow boxing. The opposition came here in phalanx and none from the proponent showed up," Maambong said.
PB member Juan Bolo, also a member of the committee, shared Maambong's observations, adding that the committee should send a letter to Salcon with a warning that if they do not show up in the next public hearing, the PB would be coming up with a position without considering the side of the proponent.- Wenna A. Berondo