Greenpeace backing leader of ‘Kompil II’

Greenpeace International has endorsed Nicanor Perlas who, it said, is a leading promoter of sustainable development and various environmental causes, as possible secretary of environment and natural resources.

Greenpeace made the endorsement for Perlas, one of the leaders of "Kompil II," in a letter to President Gloria Maca-pagal-Arroyo through Secretary Vicky Garchitorena, chief of the Presidential Management Staff.

"(Perlas) is also an ardent practitioner of what he espouses, particularly in the area of sustainable agriculture. Indeed, he will be a shining model of your governance dictum ‘leadership by example’ by virtue of his impressive track record in actually implementing what he prea-ches," the environmental group said in its letter.

Greenpeace added that Perlas is "well-known and respected" both locally and globally, and a "strong advocate of developing country interests in the sphere of international environmental negotiations."

For its part, the "United Antiqueños," led by Gideon Javier, son of slain former Antique governor Evelio Javier, is supporting Isabela Rep. Heherson Alvarez as head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. — Jose Rodel Clapano