7. Massive peddling of agricultural lands to foreign and private entities for biofuel production
This policy on biofuels has opened up vast tracks of agricultural lands for biofuel production thus augmenting the centuries old problem of landlessness, backward rural development, food insecurity and lack of a genuine agrarian reform program. This will worsen the plight of the 75% of our population to depend on agriculture and the seven out of ten farmers who still don’t have their own lands to till and the rest of the population who depend on agricultural productions.
8. Killing and legal harassments of environmental activists
The Philippines, under Ms. Gloria Arroyo has been touted as the most dangerous place for activists, journalists and critics of the current administration as well as for environmental activists and defenders. Kalikasan PNE has documented 27 cases of extrajudicial killings (EJK), one (1) case attempted murder, two (2) enforced disappearance and several lawsuits against environmental leaders and defenders nationwide as of March 2010.
9. Deceitful act of signing the JPEPA and other unfair bilateral agreements
The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is nothing short but an assault on national sovereignty, patrimony, and environmental protection. It essentially mimics the same logic and intentions of previous colonial-age trade agreements with the Philippines’ former colonizers—the same agreements which have historically caused our current environmental problems such massive deforestation, marine resource degradation, and plunder of our mineral wealth.
“This list is by no means exhaustive and complete, it just aims to give the voters an idea of the extensity and intensity of environmental rehabilitation and protection needed to reverse the policies that impoverish and displaces our communities,” said Mr. Bautista.
“We are call on the voting public not to recycle anti-environment politicians the likes of President Arroyo. We challenge those running in office not to duplicate the dismal environmental record of the Arroyo government. They must put in their top list agenda the protection of environment and the judicial use of natural resources by reversing the environmentally destructive policies that been passed and implemented by President Arroyo,” Mr. Bautista stated.
“To reverse the environmental degradation and pollution in the country, the next administration and leaders should immediately take action to stop destructive projects like the Bataan Nuclear Power Plants, large-scale mining projects, construction of coal power plant, and issuance of commercial logging concession must be stopped. The policies of the Arroyo government to open our natural and land resources for exploitation for foreign companies like the Mining Act of 1995, Biofuel Act of 2007 and JPEPA should be repealed immediately after the May 2010 election,” Mr. Bautista ended.
Reference:
Clemente Bautista Jr.
National Coordinator, Kalikasan-PNE
