Catanduanes Forum

The public consultation earlier scheduled by the Department of Energy (DOE), regarding the planned coal mining operation, was further deferred. This after the DOE set this week a public consultation in three towns as well as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Catanduanes.

The Information, Education and Communication (EIC) campaign set by a three-man team from the DOE which was originally scheduled from September 12 to September 18 in the municipalities of Caramoran, San Andres, Panganiban, and the September 16 schedule at the SP of Catanduanes. The EIC was beleived to be unexpectedly deferred because of the numerous opposition mining received from anti-mining group in the province.

The DOE team which was composed of combined legal and technical team was tasked to explain the Philippine Coal Contract and Permitting System as part of the Education and Communication Campaign (IEC).

Among those expected to be discussed were issues about coal exploration and mining operation together with the rules and regulations observed by the DOE regarding Coal Mining in the Philippines.

Aside from the numerous oppositions from different sectors in the island, the deferment of the IEC’s was attributed also to the Fun Run earlier conducted this day, which coincided with the DOE’s SP meeting, organized by SANO, Inc. – a group composed of ex-seminarians in Catanduanes.

The Provincial Board declared the deferment until further notice from the DOE.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, together with the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, and with the Congressional Oversight Committees on Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act is set to hold a separate Public Hearing/ Inquiry in-aid-of Legislation about coal mining and its environmental affects with primary focus on Senate Resolution No. 1289, entitled “RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTES ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES; AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND INVESTIGATIONS TO INVESTIGATE, IN AID OF LEGESLATION, THE AWARDING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OF A COAL MINING CONTRACT WITHOUT PUBLIC CONSULTATION WHICH WILL LEAD TO ENORMOUS ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION AND DEGRADATION IN THE PROVINCE OF CATANDUANES”.

The said senate public hearing/inquiry was scheduled to be conducted this coming Friday, September 18, 2009, at 1:30 P.M. at Pepperland Hotel in Legazpi City.

Expected to be discussed in the said senate hearing/inquiry were the Coal Operating Contract of Monte Oro Resources and Energy, Inc (MOREI) and the Small-scale Mining Permit awarded by the DOE to Mr. Policarpio M. Torres of Tambongon, Viga, Catanduanes.

Among those expected to attend the said hearing were members of the Katandunganon Kontra Mina (KKM).