MANILA, Philippines – The controversy over an Aurora ecozone has moved beyond the borders of Casiguran, Aurora.

In a statement released Tuesday, April 23, the United Nationalist Alliance made a stand on the controversial Aurora Pacific Ecozone (APECO), calling it a “family corporation” of the Angaras.

Casiguran locals against the project are in Manila to urge the Supreme Court to stop the project and to follow up on promises President Benigno Aquino III made in December last year.

“We hope that the Supreme Court would immediately rule on the petitions filed by farmers from Aurora province to stop the Angaras from milking the government dry,” said UNA secretary general and campaign manager Toby Tiangco.

In December 2013, Aquino ordered an independent review of the project, which he said would take about a week. The National Economic and Development Authority has yet to release the results of the review.

The Angaras hold prominent positions both in national government and in the province of Aurora. Rep Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara is running for the Senate under the administration coalition, while his father Edgardo is an outgoing senator.

APECO was created through Republic Act 10083, sponsored by the two Angaras.

Late last year, more than 100 locals marched to Manila to seek an audience with the President, which he granted.

They voted for it

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte questioned UNA’s stand on the issue.

During a press briefing, Valte said that based on official records, several senators affiliated with UNA voted in favor of APECO. She named Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Gregorio Honasan, resigned Sen Miguel Zubiri, and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile as those who supported the measure.

“I’m not quite sure if this is the personal opinion of the campaign manager or whether it’s shared by the other candidates on the slate,” she said.

“If they do share that particular statement, then there has to be some sort of explanation for the about-face because they had voted for [the ecozone],” she added.  

Valte also said that there has been progress in the APECO review. She also emphasized that due compensation was given to families displaced by projects connected to APECO.

‘Tumatapak sa amin’

Anti-APECO marchers in Manila, however, sing a different tune.

“Sila talaga ng tumatapak sa amin… sa Casiguran. Kaming mga mangingisda ay nasasagasaan rin nila,” said fisherfolk leader Marlon Angara during a Monday press conference.

Another protester, Pinag-Isang Lakas leader Vic Convicto, pointed out the ill effects of political dynasties in Aurora. “Dahil sa political dynasty, isa ang nagcocontrol ng pulitika, buhay, negosyo at ari-arihan ng Aurora,” he said. – Rappler.com