UCA News
Contribute

Say no to coal, Philippine prelate says

Archbishop Arguelles leads march against 600-megawatt plant
Say no to coal, Philippine prelate says
Published: May 06, 2016 06:50 AM GMT
Updated: May 06, 2016 06:51 AM GMT

Led by Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa, around 10,000 Filipinos from various church groups, concerned citizens, and civil society organizations marched to call for a moratorium on new coal plants in the country.

With less than a week to go before elections, demonstrators demanded the next administration cancel all proposed coal-fired projects and shift to renewable energy.

"We are facing a planetary emergency. Now more than ever, we need leaders who are pro-people and pro-environment, not pro-coal and pro-climate change," Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said May 5.

The prelate, along with local fishermen and women and other social movements, are currently leading a fight against the building of a 600-megawatt coal plant in the city's Pinamucan Ibaba village.

"It is immoral to burden future generations with pollution and the cost of mistaken energy choices made today. It is time to end the age of coal," he said.

The anti-coal march highlighted a national campaign called "Piglas Batangas! Piglas Pilipinas!" symbolized by the struggle against the proposed project of JG Summit Holdings.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia