Former ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio strongly condemns the recent coal spill disasters in Sorsogon and Zambales, warning of their catastrophic impact on fisherfolk communities, marine ecosystems, and public health.
“As we are still conducting relief operations in Bicol in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, we are now confronted with these environmental disasters that threaten the livelihood of our fisherfolk and the integrity of our marine sanctuaries,” Tinio said.
The former solon highlighted how the coal spill in Sorsogon has already resulted in fish kills and the death of marine life, while the Zambales incident has endangered the Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Seascape and Landscape, a critical marine sanctuary.
“These incidents expose the inherent dangers of our continued dependence on coal. Not only does coal contribute to climate change when burned for energy, but its transportation also poses severe risks to our communities and environment. Our fisherfolk, who are already struggling due to recent typhoons, are now faced with the prospect of long- term damage to their fishing grounds,” Tinio emphasized.
“We demand immediate action from the DENR, PCG, and other concerned agencies to contain these spills and conduct thorough investigations. The companies responsible must be held accountable and should provide compensation to affected communities,” he added.
Tinio also called for an urgent transition to renewable energy sources. “These disasters underscore the need to phase out coal dependency and shift to sustainable energy alternatives. We cannot continue putting our communities and environment at risk for the sake of dirty energy,” he concluded.
