MANILA, Philippines – Hinimok ng ilang obispo mula sa Pangasinan at Nueva Ecija ang pamahalaan na mamuhunan sa renewable energy infrastructures kasabay ng pagtutol sa planong konstruksyon ng nuclear power plant sa Alaminos, Pangasinan.
Sa pastoral letter na pirmado nina Archbishop Socrates Villegas (Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan), Bishop Fidelis Layog (Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan), Bishop Daniel Presto (Diocese of San Fernando, La Union), Fr. Getty Ferrer (Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija), Bishop Napoleon Sipalay (Diocese of Alaminos), Bishop Jacinto Jose (Diocese of Urdaneta) at Bishop Prudencio Andaya (Diocese of Cabanatuan), sinabi ng mga religious leader na sila ay “feel a solemn duty to offer moral guidance” kasabay ng panawagan nila laban sa anumang uri ng pagkasira na makakaapekto sa mga residente.
Ayon pa sa mga ito, habang ang bansa ay mayaman sa renewable energy resources, malaki naman ang banta ng mga kalamidad katulad ng bagyo at lindol.
Iginiit nila na “these realities compel us to exercise extreme caution and prudence when considering energy sources that carry irreversible, long-term risks.”
Inihalimbawa nila ang epekto ng nuclear power plant sa Fukushima, Japan na nagdulot ng matinding pinsala.
“The message is clear: The long-term consequences of nuclear accidents and waste management pose a threat that overrides the perceived short-term benefits of this energy source. We must heed this warning,” ayon pa sa mga lider ng simbahan.
Dahil dito ay hinimok nila ang “government officials, policy makers and all Filipino people to choose the path of prudence and sustainability. We must invest in renewable energy infrastructure that ensures safety, resilience, and true long-term development for our people.”
Bukod dito, sinabi rin na ang nuclear disaster ay makakaapekto sa buhay ng maraming Filipino maging sa kabuhayan at ekonomiya.
“Pangasinan is not ours. We owe future generations to keep Pangasinan safe from the disaster of a nuclear catastrophe. The risks are greater than the benefits,” giit nila. RNT/JGC
