Press Release
October 17, 2009

CHIZ: DAM OPERATORS PRIORITIZED PROFITS

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero said dam operators prioritized profits over the safety of residents when they released 128 billion liters of water at the height of typhoon Pepeng. "In the name of making money, they sacrificed the lives of everyone along the floodways so that they could generate enough electricity," he said

In a radio interview with dwIZ's Karambola, Escudero said that what transpired during that weekend will prove that they maximized the capacity of the dam before they began releasing water. He added that San Roque has a maximum level of only 290 meters above sea level (masl).

The senator noted that dam operators started releasing the water at 288 masl. When the water level was increasing, there should have been a protocol. He said that at 260 masl, they could have some floodgates opened. He said that the rate of water released was at 5.1 million liters per second, which translates to 300 million liters per second or 16 billion liters per hour. "Imagine how quickly the waters rose. If they started at 240, 250, or 260 masl, then the flood problems wouldn't cause too much devastation and tragedy. I asked the National Power Corporation and San Roque dam operators if they knew how much the Agno River can absorb. They only pointed out that the Department of Public Works and Highways was responsible for that data," he added.

He said that even NPC Chairman Froilan Tampinco admitted that they have to modify the protocol because of outdate guidelines. Tampinco said during Friday's hearing of Sen. Legarda at the Senate, that they were not prepared for the rains caused by climate change. "This is unacceptable. They did not show concern for the people and they chose to protect the dam instead. It would have been better if they had coordination with local government units," he said.

He said that with a potential typhoon closing in the country, dam operators must get their acts together and implement a system where the safety of both the infrastructure and the residents will be considered.

Escudero said that Friday's Senate hearing only highlights the lack of proper procedure in the release of dam water. The senator said he is extremely disappointed with the whole 'blame-game' that is going on among dam operators, local government officials, and PAGASA weather forecasters.

Escudero said it was clear that they do not have the proper guidelines to follow during emergency situations. "Pardon with the pun, but Napocor and dam officials allowed a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario," he said.

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