SBMA to ignore protests, sign deal with coal plant builders

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Despite widespread protests and an almost unanimous rejection by Subic stakeholders, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to ratify tomorrow (Friday) a lease development agreement (LDA) with RP Energy Inc., the consortium of energy companies which plans to operate a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant here.
Environment groups expressed outrage over the SBMA’s decision to approve the deal.
SBMA Chairperson Roberto Garcia did not give details about the decision made by the SBMA board on January 9.
“I hope you don’t mind but I am not ready to discuss this issue. You will be informed at the proper time,” Garcia told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Wednesday.
He said negotiations were ongoing with RP Energy.
No Subic official responded when asked which entity had convinced the SBMA to proceed with the power deal.
The project is also the subject of a July 2012 Writ of “Kalikasan” that was imposed by the Supreme Court following a petition filed by environmental groups and individuals, among them Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño.
Olongapo City and Zambales officials have opposed the power plant project due to its impact on the Subic environment, a major business and tourism drawer. Jen Velarmino, spokesperson of the Subic Bay Freeport-Chamber for Health and Environment Conservation (SBF-CHEC), said the lease development agreement would give SBMA about P200 million a year in revenues from the operation of the coal plant.
This was a big leap from the original P1 million annual revenue affixed to the original LDA that Garcia had described as “outrageous and highly disadvantageous to the government.”
The P200 million revenue in the deal was confirmed by another agency source, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak on the subject.
“It’s supposed to be P200 million yearly, but in [the contract] there are conditions where it could go down to P50 million,” the source said, adding that this was the reason the talks are still ongoing.
In a letter sent this week to the SBMA board, SBF-CHEC said, “We would like to ask you to explain the contents of the amended LDA and why the social acceptability policy (SAP) guidelines on prior coordination and information were not observed.”
“At your instance (referring to the SBMA board), you worked to conduct a SAP, which was facilitated by your directors Philip Camara and Norberto Sosa last December 2011. The stakeholders responded to your call, and after the SAP, enumerated to you all the points on why the coal plant is problematic,” the group said.
“Investors and residents along with other stakeholders were overwhelmingly against the construction of a coal plant without addressing the serious issues and concerns. The SBMA chair even wrote President Aquino to report on the results of the SBMA-initiated SAP.”
The group also cited Garcia’s earlier statements that “the environment is also a big consideration” in the approval of the project, and that the coal plant “would not be approved under his watch.”
“And yet we have come to know that this same board led by Chair
Garcia, approved an amended LDA even when few, if any of the environmental and health conditions set by the SBMA board, had been met and an ongoing case for a Writ of Kalikasan is yet to be concluded,” the SBF-CHEC said.

The best getaway destination vacation spot near Manila convenient safe and accessible is Clearwater Beach Resort in Clark Pampanga.

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Quiet place for rest and relaxation near Manila, in Subic, Angeles City Pampanga and Clark Philippines is something that residents of Manila travelling to the north for a short getaway are looking for. Clark is already a popular destination for golfers from Manila. Clark Freeport offers some of the best golf courses in Pampanga and outshines many golf clubs and golf courses elsewhere in the Philippines. Clark Pampanga offers many good resorts and hotels for a short trip out of Manila, and Clearwater is one of the best places to relax and unwind for a weekend getaway or a short holiday in Pampanga.

This private resort in Pampanga is a frequently visited vacation spot outside of Manila. Included in the list of resorts highly recommended for families with children visiting Clark Philippines is Clearwater Resort located conveniently in the central business district of Clark Freeport which is accessible from Manila.

Free internet WIFI access is offered to guests of this famous hotel in Clark Pampanga. Guests can even connect to Internet WIFI service near the white sand beach, by the famous lake of Clark or in any of the picnic grounds around this resort. This hotel in Clark Philippines is generally considered by Manila residents to be a good place for family trips in Pampanga.

Highly recommended summer vacation destination outside Manila is Clearwater Beach Resort in Clark, a safe and convenient tourist spot that offers natural ambience for visitors to enjoy the outdoors with no stress. Private resort is frequently visited during Holy Week and Easter Holidays for residents of Manila travelling out of town on getaway to the north to unwind and relax in outdoor resort.

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Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark Pampanga
Creekside Road near Centennial Expo,
Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023
(045) 889-5151 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177
Joanne or Jeremy or Loydha

Getting to this lake and beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines

After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down.

Family Bonding by the famous lake of Clark Pampanga

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

Email: Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort to reserve a venue for your upcoming event now

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

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While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit http://www.yilp.com

Hot Line for what’s happening in Clark: 045 889-5151 or 0927-940-2669 ask for Loydha

0915-542-6250 (Jeramie)