Oil firms evicted from Pandacan

[DonCamote]

Oil firms evicted from Pandacan

Ordinance gives ‘Big 3’ seven years to move out of residential-commercial zone

By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO

The major oil companies operating in the country will have to vacate the Pandacan district in Manila within a seven-year period after an ordinance reclassifying the area as a residential-commercial zone was approved yesterday by the Manila City Council.

After a series of public hearings and heated deliberations, the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance (ZO) authored by District 6 Councilor Bonjay Isip-Garcia was approved by the City Council, paving the way for the transfer of oil terminals owned by the "Big Three" – Petron Corp. Inc., Pilipinas Shell and Caltex.

The ordinance, co-authored by 30 councilors belonging to the majority bloc, directs the three oil giants to relocate their terminals to another area within a seven-year period.

"We need a more relevant zoning ordinance as the old one no longer effectively responds to our city’s need. A memorandum order from the executive department long ago directed all local government units to update their CLUPs and ZOs. We are in fact one of the last to comply," she said.

The new zoning ordinance authored by Isip-Garcia contained provisions from an earlier ordinance which also sought the removal of the oil depots to avoid health, environmental and security risks.

Isip-Garcia, also the chairman of the committee on housing, urban development and resettlement, earlier presided over the public hearing and consultation attended by barangay leaders, residents and representatives from the oil companies.

"This zoning ordinance will maintain a delicate balance between the demands of commerce and the city’s socio-cultural needs," the lady councilor said.

Prior to the approval of the ordinance, negotiations were carried out by the giant oil firms in an effort to prevent their expulsion from the area. They said their relocations will affect oil price and supply.

In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the city government, the oil companies agreed to scale down their operations. Several related facilities were also put up to serve as buffer zones.

Earlier, Councilor Cita Astals, a former movie personality, questioned the new city zoning ordinance during a public hearing. She said the measure was no longer a zoning ordinance but more of an "architectural program."


http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006032359509.html

[Altis6453]

If I remember correctly, Mayor Atienza was the one who forced the issue with the Big 3 oil companies due to fears that the oil depots at Pandacan could become targets for terrorist attacks.

[4wrider]

The root of this eviction is the earlier tax exemption of the oil companies granted in a law authored by then Senator Maceda. So walang kita ang Manila and with the perceived risk to the voting community, out they must go.

[zero]

lintek, baka maging reason na naman nila ito para magtaas ng singil sa gasolina.

[Bogeyman]

We used to live near those refineries -- just across the Pasig River. Every time na magkakasunog diyan sa Pandacan, lahat ng tao nagpa-panic, especially if the fire broke out close to the oil tanks. Hanggang ngayon may mga relatives ako na dun pa rin nakatira. Sa likod naman, andun yung Philippine Match Co., tapos sa tapat niya, a chemical plant. Triple threat.

If they're evicted, that's one less fire hazard in the area.

[XTO]

medyo O.T. i heard from rhea santos of unang hirit yesterday when she announced the increase in kerosene and diesel that caltex here in pinas will now be named chevron. sounds good right now caltex user ako from power diesel to delo multigrade. seems betterer

[Isuzoom]

time bomb

[russpogi]

I think they really should move out, perhaps sa Bataan or somewhere para one less terrorist target in the Metro.

[oldblue]

malamang tataas ang halaga ng lupa dyan after umalis big 3

[timrev]

3 oil firms told to leave Pandacan depot by 2016
3 oil firms told to leave Pandacan depot by 2016 | ABS-CBN News