As mayor then, Atienza sought to relocate depot

It was with great interest that I read the letter of Sixto Carlos Jr., “Call for oil depot transfer hailed” (Opinion-Digital Edition, 4/28/14). It is, however, sad to note that some people may be deliberately distorting historical data, sacrificing the truth.

May I set the record straight? I can attest to what really transpired, as I was the city legal officer during the 9-year term of then Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

The relocation of the Pandacan oil depot was initiated by Atienza with the approval of  City Ordinance No. 8027. As early as Dec. 28, 2001, Atienza had issued an order directing the oil companies to cease and desist operations at the depot. However, upon the insistence of the national government, including the Department of Energy and the Metro Manila Development Authority, the City of Manila entered into a memorandum of understanding allowing for the gradual relocation/“phaseout” of the oil depot over a 6-year  period. The national government made it very clear: Relocate the oil depot but consider the impact a sudden dislocation would make on the national interest.

By 2008, the depot would have been totally relocated. But the new administration under Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno overturned the planned relocation by repealing the law which mandated it.

As if adding insult to injury, they even invited more dangerous and hazardous industries into the area. City Ordinance No. 8283, passed by the city council led by Vice Mayor Moreno, foiled the intentions of City Ordinance

No. 8027 of Atienza.

This is the reason the big three oil companies continue to stay in that depot, posing a continuing danger to the lives and property of Manilans because of the tragic decision of the Lim-Moreno administration.

—MELCHOR R. MONSOD, managing partner,

Monsod Enriquez Barrios-Taran Lucido Tolentino Ramos Law Office,

Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City