Gov’t must be liable for negative impact of building Kaliwa Dam, says bishop

MANILA, Philippines — At least 11,000 natives would be affected should the government push through with the Kaliwa Dam project, Bishop Francisco de Leon of the Diocese of Antipolo said on Wednesday.

De Leon said the government should be held liable for the negative impact brought by the construction of Kaliwa Dam on the community and the environment.

“Dapat nakalista yung mga taong mananagot kapag may nangyari d’yan, ‘yung mga pumirma ang dapat managot,” De Leon said in an interview with Radyo Veritas.

According to him, the government should “respect” and “take care of” the rights of the natives that would be affected by construction.

Apart from the concerns of the community, De Leon also said that there would be adverse effects once the building of Kaliwa Dam is done.

“Tutol kami [Diocese of Antipolo] sa Kaliwa Dam na gagawin dahil lulubog ang ilang lugar sa Tanay,” De Leon said.

“Kapag natuloy ang Kaliwa Dam, 10 sa mga kapilya ay lulubog, so dalawa nalang ang matitira,” he added.

He nevertheless said that the residents of Antipolo is waiting for the government’s plan for those that may be affected by Kaliwa Dam.

De Leon added that he believed that the community will unite in protecting the environment and the rights of the natives in Antipolo.

The Kaliwa Dam project of the government amounts to P18.7 billion. It is located in the Quezon province.

The country’s antitrust body is already looking into the alleged rigging of the said project regarding its bidding. /je

READ: PCC probes alleged rigging of Kaliwa Dam project bidding