Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte to use ‘extraordinary powers’ to push through China-funded Kaliwa dam
- Philippine president says chronic water shortages in Manila take priority over the concerns of environmental activists and local communities
- The controversial project, which has been stalled for decades, is to be built largely with Chinese money
Duterte told local media on Monday he was prioritising the need to address chronic water shortages in Metro Manila over the concerns of environmental activists and local communities opposed to the dam’s construction.
“You have every right to protest if it puts your place in jeopardy. But if the safeguards are there and between your concerns and the crisis that we are trying to avoid, I will use the extraordinary powers of the presidency,” Duterte said.
“If your concern is it will pollute ... I just say to you [think of the] safeguards. It might create some danger or damage, but that is not my concern. My concern is the welfare, the greatest good for the greatest number. That is democracy.”
The project has been stalled for decades amid concerns by indigenous communities, who stand to be displaced, and by NGOs and the Catholic Church, who question its safety. The controversy surrounding its construction has also been fuelled by Duterte’s decision to ask China to fund the project, rather than put it to public tender.