No power plant unless people agree – Tomas

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña would only allow the construction of a 2x150 MW coal-fired thermal power plant in a densely-populated barangay if the proponent can convince the people to support the project.

In a press conference, Osmeña said the project could have been the biggest single investment in the city this year if it would push through.

"If they talk to the people and they convince the people and the people would say ok, then we will try to make it work because we are working for the people also," he said.

For now, the mayor said the executive department will not study the power plant project. He said it's up to the Ludo Power Corporation if it can convince the people to push through with the project.

"That's $500 million investment. If you set aside one percent a year, I said we can send all the high school students to college. To me, ok na na. At least they have a future. But, of course, I will listen to the people," Osmeña said.

Last Tuesday, the City Council revived the discussion on the proposed project after Councilor David Tumulak pushed for a resolution endorsing the project which had already been rejected by the previous members of the council early this year.

The council deferred the approval of the endorsement of the project pending the comments and recommendations of the city's zoning board and City Planning Development Office.

Ludo also asked the City Council to reclassify the land use of the area where the plant will be constructed from Industrial 1 to Industrial 2.

Osmeña said he met with some officials and representatives of the project.

"My personal attitude is when there's big investor coming in, study it to make out the best of it. But, if it's not workable, out. But just don't shut it out," he said.

Osmeña said the project would cost $500 million.

"That's very big. That's the biggest single investment in Cebu City. I'm just trying to explain to the people that there is one issue that goes beyond the law and that's public acceptability. So, if the people want it, I will give it to the people," he said.

But if the people don't like it, Osmeña said he will obey the people.

He believed that the proponent of the project chose the densely-populated coastal barangays of the city because big ships can dock near the area.

"The nearest port in the province of Cebu is the Ludo port where big ships can really come in. if they're going to use coal, they save a lot of money," he said.

Osmeña said he also told the representatives of Ludo to go directly to the residents of the barangay instead of just approaching barangay officials.

He said Ludo is also thinking to put up a major development in the area which is a resort casino.

"They are now thinking of putting a major development, a resort casino there. I said good. But I said don't get the other parcel there because that's reserve for the city," he said. (FREEMAN)