Checked

Last December 22, the Bicol River Basin and Watershed Management Project (BRBWMP) which is headed by Mr. Tomasito Monzon called for a press conference in which it was announced that the implementation of the Libmanan-Cabusao Dam Project (LCDP) was indefinitely suspended. The stated reason for the suspension was the unresolved matter regarding the relocation of more than 70 families who were identified as being adversely affected by the dam project. Once this issue has been addressed, that is, once the families have been relocated (the target date is 30 January 2010), the implementation of the dam project would resume.

 

We consider the "indefinite" suspension ordered by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) a triumph for civil society in checking the state's use of its power in effecting this endeavor which was largely touted as Mrs. Arroyo's and her son's, First District Congressman Dato Arroyo, pet project. While we must note how, from the outset, these two politicians have basked-and actively pursued-the positive acclaim for the said dam project; we must also remark that with all the flak and negative publicity the LCDP has received and is receiving, both politicians have now tried to distance themselves from it. This is most particularly true in the case of Cong. Dato Arroyo who is seeking re-election. The suspension which was effected evinced that government power (or more specifically, the Arroyo Administration's power) CAN BE countered.

It can be checked.

It is true, however, that government agencies involved in the implementation of "Dato's dam project" have not acknowledged the fact that pressure from civil society groups was the cause for the suspension. Obviously a case of "saving face," the very defensive posture of these agencies regarding the purported reason for the suspension, nonetheless, confirms otherwise what they are trying to deny assiduously. Hence, while their media spinners will embark on efforts to convince the public that NIA, BRBWMP, and the principal "sponsors" of the dam project were not found out to be mistaken, the denials will only serve to undermine those efforts. The fact remains that it was after civil society groups like LupiKontraDam, aided by the academe, and supported by some unpaid quarters in media, that the indefinite suspension of "Dato's dam" came about.

Thus, while the struggle to oppose government projects which are not truly aimed at the common good continues, there is still much to celebrate in this particular victory of civil society in checking the Arroyos' power.