MANILA, Philippines—Manila Archbishop Gaudencio MANILA ARCHBISHOP GAUDENCIO Cardinal Rosales has called on residents of the city to start a signature drive petitioning local officials to revoke City Ordinance 8187 (formerly known as Draft Ordinance 7177) which allows the continued operation of the Pandacan oil depot.

In a pastoral statement dated June 16, Rosales also reminded city officials of their duty to ensure the safety of Manila residents.

“Let us begin a signature campaign in our parishes and schools for the local government of Manila to revoke the city ordinance and help create an ecologically-friendly city. Let us renew our commitment to the care of our environment,” the cardinal said.

He further added, “Let us pray for the revocation of City Ordinance 8187 and the eventual transfer of the oil depot in the immediate future. Let us engage in a catechesis of the integrity of creation by ‘circles of discernment’ in our parishes and schools ministry.”

On May 28, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim approved Draft Ordinance 7177 which in effect amended Ordinance 8027 under which parts of Sta. Ana and Pandacan were reclassified from industrial to commercial zones, therefore banning the operations of the oil depot.

Draft Ordinance 7177, on the other hand, creates zones in the city for medium and heavy industries.

It was approved several days after the Supreme Court ruled with finality on the legality of Ordinance 8027 and ordered Pilipinas Shell, Chevron and Petron to stop operating the oil depot in Pandacan.

Several concerned groups have reported they would initiate a signature campaign this week for the recall of City Ordinance 8187. There’s no report on whether this was pushed.

‘Threat to life’
Rosales, in his latest pastoral statement on the issue, stressed that “the oil depot is a threat to human life and its integral growth.”

“The continuous operation of the oil depot in the densely populated area of Sta. Ana and Pandacan poses grave threat to the wellbeing of our people. Our political leaders should be reminded of their role to ensure the safety and security of our people,” he said.

“The sad state of the Pasig River being polluted by industrial wastes will ultimately affect the quality of human life,” he added.