New Church-led rally vs Bataan nuke plant set

MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Church in Bataan is gearing up for a second rally against the proposed revival of the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) this coming Friday. An article in the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines website said hundreds are expected to join the second Church-led protest against the BNPP's revival. Organizing the rally are the people of Morong parish, with the support of the Diocese of Balanga. Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas will lead a mass at 9 a.m. at the Our Lady of the Pillar Church to kick off the March 27 rally. He earlier warned that bigger rallies would be held should the government insist in reactivating the facility. A march around the town and a solidarity program will immediately follow after the mass which will be lead by the Nuclear Free Bataan Movement. In Balanga last February 23, thousands of local residents joined the protest action and prayer rally organized by the Catholic Church. Villegas earlier said if people truly care for the country, they must stand up against the revival of the BNPP. He said the benefits being proclaimed by those pushing for its revival are naturally being outweighed by its negative effects. Among the dangers being posed by the nuclear power plant, he said, include the presence of toxic materials. Villegas appealed on those pushing for its revival not to make hasty decisions but rather seriously study and reflect on the pros and cons of the plan. - GMANews.TV