RP Energy never got to show their first Powerpoint slide in todays failed "public consultation meeting" when stakeholders and residents took over the floor asking why the DENR once again only invited "friends" of RP Energy not stakeholders who had heard about the meeting on Facebook, gave no notice of a meeting, did not provide materials and told everyone the question time would be limited.
The Vice Governor of Zambales asked why is this project being pushed in Subic Bay when AES who runs the Masinloc power plant is offering to pick up the extra MW requirement amongst cheers from stakeholders.
One of the most exciting moments was when a representative of the Olongapo Mayor quoted an RP Energy executive as saying "if the public doesn't want us we will just leave", he went through the list of stakeholders in the LGU sector that have unanimously rejected the project then turned to the executive and said "sir now is the time for you to leave", bringing cheers from the audience.
A former pilot and local resident came prepared to show that the Plume from the smoke attacks was in violation of international standards for airline safety and when DENR were challenged about their own studies they said revealed that they did not do any study on the subject, they relied on RP Energy to provide the studies, meaning of course they based their decision on biased materials.
Eventually DENR closed the meeting after the audience voted 98-54 that the meeting should not proceed without being properly organized. Strangely enough even though it was RP Energy staff who counted the vote and RP Energy executive got up and started screaming that they didn't accept the vote and that they will have the meeting even if everyone has gone.
The DENR and RP Energy roadshow has suffered another direct hit, now it will be seen if they try to organize another public meeting.
