A group advocating for stable energy and protection of the environment urged the national government to expedite the transition away from fossil fuels following two coal spills in Sorsogon and Zambales that happened as a result of the onslaught of tropical storm "Kristine”.

In a statement, Gerry Arances, executive director of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), said the transition will strengthen measures to protect marine and coastal environments from pollution.

"After hundreds of thousands of liters of oil spilled in the Verde Island Passage last year and in Manila Bay earlier this year, we're now seeing these disastrous coal barge accidents,” said Arances. 

“All of them came about from severe weather events. They are a terrible yet stark reminder that fossil fuel projects are dirty, deadly, and costly in more ways than one - triggering worse climate disasters and directly polluting the environments and communities that host them," he added.

In Sorsogon, a coal barge that overturned at the height of “Kristine” devastation has reportedly resulted in significant environmental damage, including fish kills and the destruction of marine ecosystems and livelihoods. 

In Zambales, local fisherfolks feared that marine life and their livelihoods were endangered because of the grounded barge that carries 11,000 metric tons of coal.

The grounded barrage is feared to pose serious threats to the Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Seascape and Landscape, Central Luzon's first marine protected area and regarded as one of the country's most important locations for marine biodiversity.

"Coal and other fossil fuels are not only a major contributor to climate change, they also pose significant threats to our communities and environment," said Arances.

The group also demanded the lifting of the coal moratorium in the country and claimed that coal is cheaper than renewable energy and sought for government intervention in focusing on long-term sustainability goals first. 

"Renewable energy is not only more economical and reliable than coal, but it also represents a necessary step toward a sustainable future. Misleading claims supporting coal distract us from the urgent need for cleaner, more responsible energy solutions,” said Arances. 

‘The government should also prioritize the implementation of more stringent protection for the ecosystem that sustains many Filipinos, yet continued to be threatened by fossil fuels and other risks. Increasing restrictions against toxic pollution and ensuring that fisherfolk and coastal communities are empowered to be at the forefront of managing and protecting their marine and coastal environments should be the way forward," he added.