'Gas station threatens Bulusan church'

MANILA, Philippines - A group of concerned citizens in Bulusan, Sorsogon are up in arms against the construction of a gasoline station right inside the compound of the 240-year-old St. James the Greater Parish Church in their town.

Abraham Tan, of the Bulusan E-Group, told reporters during a news forum in Quezon City that the gasoline station would obstruct the view of the historic belfry of the church and could trigger fire that may damage the historic landmark.

Tan said they have sent a letter to Bishop Arturo Bastes to express their strong protest to the gasoline station, which is 80 percent finished though.

Despite being an institutional area, he said the municipal government has reclassified it as commercial, paving the way for the issuance of an environmental compliance certificate for the project. – Perseus Echeminada