Lack of concern for environment bewailed

The Philippine Environmental Industry Association (PEIA) has bewailed the apparent lack of concern for the environment by candidates running for national seats in the coming May elections.

PEIA president Antonio Tria assailed the failure of senatorial candidates and part-list groups to even touch the issue of environmental protection in their pronouncement and platforms.

"This shows either total ignorance of environmental issues or the environment is not in the priority list of concerns that they espouse," said Tria, a noted environmental lawyer. "It is indeed tragic as it demonstrates the inability of our leaders to secure a full grasp of very urgent concerns that are eagerly waiting for lasting solutions."

He pointed out that while the rest of the world is engrossed in finding solutions to environmental problems, the Philippines has not taken serious steps to address issues like industrial pollution, forest denudation, mangrove depletion, overfishing, mercury poisoning in mining areas, solid waste management and abusive utilization of resources.

"Indeed, a candidate’s sincere commitment to the cause of environmental protection should be one of the major considerations in the voter’s choice," Tria said.