Alvarez belittles Manila City Council threat

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Heherson Alvarez yesterday remained unfazed by a move of the Manila City Council to block his confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

In a press conference, Alvarez said he "welcomes" the resolution approved by the councilors to oppose his CA confirmation as a member of the Arroyo Cabinet.

"I welcome that. That’s going to be an opportunity for the confirmation process. It affords me the opportunity to show that an objection to confirmation must be based on relevant opposition," he said.

In the same breath, however, Alvarez expressed disappointment over the actions of the councilors, saying: "Taking steps like this is like the mayor not wanting to help enhance Mehan Gardens."

The city council last Thursday approved a resolution to oppose Alvarez’s CA confirmation and another declaring him persona non grata for allegedly siding with the Pandacan oil depot, which the councilors and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza want to phase out within six months.

Alvarez said that realistically, the transfer of the depot would take three years.

Stressing that he is not against the transfer, the environment secretary further cautioned that a six-month rush to transfer the oil depot could disrupt the country’s fuel supply and distribution which may "inevitably result in a rise in the cost of fuel."