Philippine Church welcomes transfer of mega-oil depot

The Filipino Catholic Church is appealing to central and local governments to follow up the transfer of the old oil storage in the district of Pandacan, Manila.  The Supreme Court on Tuesday, November 25, ordered the "relocation and transfer", resolving an environment and security concern that 3 administrations failed to address over more than a decade. Welcoming the Supreme Court judgment Msgr. Pabillo said he was "happy" and hoped that "is immediately applied." Despite pressure from the oil industry giants, adds the prelate, the judges "were on the people's side". Leading the campaign the auxiliary bishop of the capital, Msgr. Broderick Pabillo has said that  "as long as it remains in Pandacan," the deposit of crude oil will continue to "endanger the lives of citizens."

The Pandacan oil depot is a terminal for the storage and disposal used by three oil industry giants: Caltex (Chevron Corporation), Petron and Shell. It is located in an area of the capital with a high population density and has a devastating impact on public health. In addition, over the years there have been many accidents, including explosions and spills of fuel in the adjacent Pasig River, the last of which took place last year; many people had to resort to hospitals and medical treatment, suffering from severe breathing problems.

The bishop, a vocal critic of the Pandacan oil depot, also called on the public to maintain vigilance as to how the oil firms will adhere to the court decision. The court ruling stated that the relocation of the oil depot should be completed no later than a period of six months. No other than Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and his clergy have been pressing for the transfer of the oil depot, saying it poses danger to the health of communities and to the environment.

Moreover, even in the past the Church in the Philippines, and especially the Archdiocese of Manila, has paid much attention to the issues concerning the environment. (AsiaNews)