By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Former Negros Occidental governor Rafael Coscolluela refuted accusations made by environmental groups questioning his stance on the palm oil project in Candoni town.
Coscolluela is the energy and environment consultant for the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
In an interview with Daily Guardian over the weekend, Coscolluela expressed surprise at the claims made by Green Alert Negros (GAN) and the Group of Environmental Socialists (GOES).
“Kibot man ta sini ba,” Coscolluela said.
He clarified that he is not a consultant for the Negrosanon Youth Initiative for Climate and Environment (NICE), though they have engaged with his office on various concerns aligned with their advocacy.
He noted that the Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) was created by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, not by him.
“My role in the dialogue was limited to raising questions, obtaining facts, clarifying issues, and ensuring a balanced discussion. I did not decide who would attend the meeting requested by NICE or where it would be held; those decisions were made by the DENR and the Candoni LGU,” Coscolluela said.
He emphasized that alleged violations by the palm oil project proponents are under investigation by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) and the DENR. The appropriate actions will depend on their findings and regulations.
Coscolluela said the lack of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the project was discussed, and Hacienda Asia Plantations Inc. (HAPI) presented a 2011 DENR letter stating that no clearance was necessary, implying no violation was committed.
“We got DENR to clarify that an ECC should now be required, and HAPI has agreed to comply,” he said.
Coscolluela noted that there is an official list of claimants, which has grown to 95 from the original 60, whose claims are currently being validated.
“There is an understanding that legitimate occupants and claimants will not be displaced,” he added.
Coscolluela stated that the project has created approximately 560 jobs.
He also addressed the environmentalists’ claims of encroachment or dislocation, stating that the MMT would verify and monitor these concerns for appropriate action.
Coscolluela mentioned that the concerns of Indigenous Peoples were also addressed, with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) set to process their claims with DENR assistance.
However, according to DENR and HAPI, no current claims cover the Integrated Forest Management area.
“I raised various questions regarding the project, which I believe led to HAPI committing to revise their Comprehensive Development Management Plan and to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),” Coscolluela said.
He added, “If the DENR finds cause to deny the issuance of an ECC, then the project will be terminated. That is their decision.”
Coscolluela said he does not recall making any statements promoting the project. He noted that he raised many questions and sought clarification.
He stressed that the concerns and allegations raised about the project need validation, which is why the MMT was urged to convene and decide on appropriate actions.
“If seeking out the facts, clarifying issues, and helping define a course of action is perceived as undermining the community and environmental interests, then that is an unintended consequence of trying to help,” Coscolluela said.
He concluded, “It’s sad that my motives are misunderstood or misinterpreted based on incomplete or incorrect information. Our methods may differ, so we should respect that. Peace to all.”
