‘Not the trash bin of a superpower’: Solons, groups denounce Subic toxic waste dumping

From InterAksyon (Nov 9): ‘Not the trash bin of a superpower’: Solons, groups denounce Subic toxic waste dumping

Lawmakers and cause-oriented groups on Friday denounced the alleged dumping of toxic waste on Subic Bay by a Malaysian contractor that services American ships in the Philippines. They said the U.S. contractor, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc., cannot use the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to escape accountability. Also, they said the U.S. government should likewise be held liable for the alleged dumping incident. Sen. Loren Legarda said it is “shameless” for Glenn Defense “to hide beneath the VFA and raise juridical issues” on the matter.... Meanwhile, Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Teodoro Casino Jr. called for the immediate suspension of the operations of the Glenn Defense in the Philippines.... In a separate statement, Akbayan partylist Representative Walden Bello said the action “shows a wanton disregard for Philippine laws and lack of concern for environmental safety." “We have been reduced to being the trash bin of a superpower. It seems that our environmental laws and safety counts for nothing to the United States government,” said Bello.... For its part, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) also said U.S. forces should also be held liable for the dumping incident. Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes Jr., said the incident “underscores the dangers brought by the prolonged presence of US troops and ships in the Philippines.”....

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47648/not-the-trash-bin-of-a-superpower-solons-groups-denounce-subic-toxic-waste-dumping