By Jason de Asis

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, November 22, 2010-Senator Loren Legarda, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources lauded the Supreme Court (SC) for the environment protection and citizen welfare by issuing of ‘writ of kalikasan’ and a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) against the First Philippine Industrial Corp (FPIC) and First Gen Corporation.

The order would compel the two establishments to temporarily halt their oil pipeline operations as a consequence of environmental hazards brought about by leaks found underground in the area adjacent to West Tower Condominium along Osmeña Avenue, Makati City.

Legarda hailed the said order as part of the environment justice that she supported and advocacy to strike a balance in the midst of ecological and economic development concerns where the SC proven their commitment paramount in serving the peoples interest.

She added that the issuance is a precedent and a warning to all sectors that their activities whether for profit or otherwise, should not in any way be done at the expense of degrading the environment as another triumph of the people’s right to healthy ecological balances.

Legarda voiced out her concerns about the health and safety of residents in the affected area in the recent Senate inquiry on the petroleum leak, adding that the Senator was also wary of a possible explosion or fire incident aside from the water and air contamination that could pose serious health problems to the villagers of the West Tower Condominium and nearby areas. 

She is optimistic that the speedy administration of environmental justice must be achieved through proper court action on the inspection of the 117-km FPIC pipeline and it will ensure no threats to health, environment and the public safety. (Jason de Asis)