LAWMAKERS from the Makabayan bloc are seeking an investigation into the activities of a renewable energy developer at the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal province that might be in violation of nature and conservation laws.
In a statement on Monday, the Makabayan bloc said it filed House Resolution No. 1598 to investigate a possible “violation of conservation laws and ecological damage” by Rizal Wind Energy Corporation (RWEC), a company backed by Vena Energy.
“Recent drone surveillance uncovered RWEC’s drilling operations, backed by Vena Energy, within the limestone formations of the reserve to build 12 wind turbines, necessitating extensive road construction and raising concerns about local wildlife endangerment,” the statement read.
“RWEC has been aggressively breaching the Masungi Karst Conservation Area in Tanay by exploring the construction of 12 large wind turbines,” it added.
The company did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.
The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area designated as a “strict protection zone,” according to the region’s management plan. Applications for industrial or commercial project development are prohibited because it is also a protected area by virtue of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 32-1993.
A Senate resolution also seeking to investigate the reported drilling operations within Masungi Georeserve was filed by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay on Feb. 19.
“The Masungi Georeserve Project is considered one of the last green frontiers near Metro Manila and a haven for unique diversity,” read Senate Resolution No. 932. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
