Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said on Friday, February 24, that he has serious concerns about the impact of the construction of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island bridges on the environment and on the country’s debts.
The construction of the P189.53 billion PGN bridges will start in 2025 once the Detailed Engineering Design is completed on schedule and approved for funding and implementation, the National Economic and Development Authority in Western Visayas announced on Thursday.
Colmenares said the plan does not fully consider the impact of the project on marine mammals as well as the environment.
“We call on relevant agencies to insist on first studying this very important aspect in their plans. While we are all for development we should approach projects with consideration of its impact on the people and the environment,” he said.
Colmenares said that “the usual resort, again, of the national government to loans and debt increase for every project while refusing to control corruption and billions wasted in Maharlika, corruption in customs, intel funds for DepEd and the like, should not continue”.
The country is now heavily suffering from massive debts incurred by former President Rodrigo Duterte, he said.
“We cannot continue with this senseless debt policy if we care for the next generation of Filipinos,” Colmenares added.
“We will wait for government’s response on these issues and will come out with a position subsequently. For now I am only expressing my serious concerns,” he added.
Colmenares will speak about the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Bridges Project at an environmental forum titled “Pag-uswag kay Sin-o? (Development for whom?)” organized by ATIPAN Negros at Acacia Hotel in Bacolod City on Saturday, February 25.
Former Rep. Pete Pico will discuss the proposed 621-hectare reclamation project in Brgy. Banago.
ATIPAN (Amligan Ta Isla sang Panay, Guimaras kag Negros or Defend the Islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros) is composed of environmentalists, youth, church people, and other socio-civic formations who “aim to protect and preserve our environment for the next generation”.*