Church Urges Manila to Reverse Oil Depot Ruling

MANILA, June 17, 2009-Church officials called on Manila's city council to reverse its decision and recognize the public's opposition to Pandacan oil depot's continued operation.

The Archdiocese of Manila condemned the recent approval by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim of an ordinance allowing oil companies to keep their depots in the city.

The approved law, which reclassifies the 36-hectare riverside Pandacan district as an industrial zone, also defied a court order to relocate them on safety and environmental grounds.

In a pastoral statement issued Wednesday, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales said continued operation of pollutive industries in Manila "is of grave concern to us."

"This sad and disturbing development in the decision-making process of our leaders moved us to call your attention. We ask our leaders to revoke City ordinance 8187," he said.

Cardinal Rosales claimed that the oil depot poses "grave threat to the well being" of the Pandacan residents.

"The life of the human person cannot be compromised by business and industry experiences. The oil depots are a threat to human life and its integral growths," he added.

The cardinal also called on the faithful to initiate a signature campaign calling for the revocation of the oil depot.

He urged parishes and schools to join strong calls for the local government to instead initiate the creation of an eco-friendly city.

"Let us pray for the revocation of City Ordinance 8187 and the eventual transfer of the oil depots in the immediate future," Rosales said

"Let us begin a signature campaign in our parishes and schools for the local government of Manila to revoke the city ordinance and help create an ecologically-friendly city," he added. (Roy Lagarde)