Toledo City, Cebu – Over 70 residents from Barangays Bato, Awihao, and Daanlungsod braved the rain and police surveillance to protest the planned expansion of Aboitiz Power’s subsidiary, Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI). The demonstrators, comprising both seniors and first-time protesters, voiced their strong opposition to the project, citing concerns about health and environmental impacts. Their rally, organized by the multi-sectoral alliance Citizens of Coal Communities for Clean Air and Climate Justice (C4CJ) in collaboration with the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), culminated in the submission of a formal petition to TVI demanding compliance with health regulations.

Residents Demand Health Impact Assessments

At the heart of the protest is the demand for TVI to conduct mandatory Health Impact Assessments (HIA) as required by law. The expansion plan for a third coal-fired power plant in Toledo City has drawn sharp criticism for its potential health risks. The Department of Health (DOH) recently revealed that TVI had not yet complied with this legal requirement.

According to Estela Patalinghug, Visayas Coordinator for PMCJ, Toledo City already houses eight coal power plants, and adding another without a comprehensive assessment of long-term health and environmental consequences would be irresponsible. “Toledo City is already home to eight coal power plants, the community cannot bear another power plant without knowing the long-term impacts on our health and environment,” Patalinghug stated. She emphasized that the priority should be public health, not profit, and urged Aboitiz Power to uphold its responsibility to the community.

Health and Environmental Concerns

The health risks associated with coal power plants, including air and water pollution, are at the forefront of the protesters’ concerns. Lito Vasquez, Senior Executive Officer on Health Impacts for PMCJ, noted that coal plants emit carbon and toxic gases, heavy pollutants, and other hazardous substances into the environment. These emissions can have serious consequences on public health, especially in host communities such as Toledo.

“Health considerations are not part of Aboitiz’s power equation,” Vasquez asserted. He warned that without a proper HIA, the cumulative health effects of pollution from coal plants could go unchecked. Vasquez stressed the need for an HIA to evaluate the risks posed by the expansion project, a requirement mandated under Section 33 of the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act 11223) and Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2021-0001 from the DOH and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Under these regulations, projects deemed “environmentally critical” by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), such as coal power plants, are classified as “health-sensitive” and must undergo an HIA. The lack of compliance from TVI, as uncovered by the DOH, has fueled growing dissatisfaction among the residents and environmental groups.

Petition Mishandled, Company Unresponsive

The protestors’ frustration was exacerbated when TVI’s security personnel mishandled the petition during the demonstration. The guards merely wrote “received” on the document without providing the proper date, time, or any other coordination details, leaving residents uncertain about whether their grievances would be formally addressed.

“This incident reflects how the power firm handles feedback from its host communities,” said Patalinghug. She highlighted that while Aboitiz Power is quick to reassure business groups of a reliable power supply, it has been less forthcoming in addressing the community’s legitimate concerns.

Aboitiz Power is one of the largest power producers in the country, with coal power plants accounting for 68% of its energy portfolio, while renewables make up only 21%. The protesters argue that the company should prioritize a shift towards renewable energy sources rather than continuing its reliance on coal.

Call for a Shift to Renewable Energy

The movement against the TVI expansion has gained broader support from environmental advocates. The Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines has also backed the opposition to the coal plant expansion, underscoring its longstanding stance against coal-fired power plants. In a public statement, the party reiterated its position that further reliance on coal is unsustainable and detrimental to the country’s health and environmental goals.

“Instead of expanding coal power, the Philippines must accelerate its transition to renewable energy,” the Makakalikasan Party said, pointing to its Renewable Energy and Green Public Works agenda. The party advocates for solar, wind, and other clean energy sources as viable alternatives that can meet the nation’s energy demands without compromising public health.

According to the party, the government and private sector must collaborate to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable, and coal projects like TVI’s expansion only delay the country’s ability to achieve energy sustainability and security. They argue that the rapid growth of renewable energy technologies offers a path forward that aligns with both environmental protection and energy independence.

Continued Protests and Community Resilience

Despite the mishandling of their petition and ongoing resistance from TVI, Toledo residents remain steadfast in their opposition. They are determined to continue their protests until Aboitiz Power complies with the law and prioritizes the well-being of the community. “We won’t stop until we put an end to coal,” said Vasquez. “Our health and environment are at stake.”

The residents and their supporters are calling for transparency, legal compliance, and a shift towards cleaner, safer energy alternatives. As their fight continues, the outcome of their protest could set a precedent for other communities across the Philippines facing similar challenges with coal-fired power plants.