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Underwater Threat

Of all places, fossil companies have chosen this epicenter of marine biodiversity for their LNG boom. The plan envisions a build-out of LNG terminals, pipelines and power plants all along the shores of the Verde Island Passage.

Philippine and international companies are behind these projects. Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Company (AG&P), headquartered in Singapore, and Philippine company First Gen Corporation are spearheading the LNG developments.^1560515607 They have built jetties and moorings into the Verde Island Passage. On the shore, they have put up a network of tanks, pipelines, pumps and compressors.¹⁵⁶⁰⁹ This LNG infrastructure will feed existing and yet to be built gas-fired power plants. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is in the process of building its LNG-fired power plant on the coast of the Verde Island Passage.¹⁵⁶¹¹ While construction continues, one of the most prominent political proponents of the VIP LNG buildout has been accused of a conflict of interest. The governor of Batangas holds 30% of a real estate company that profited immensely when gas companies started buying land in the region.¹⁹⁵³⁷

The massive gas expansion is accelerating the industrialization of the Verde Island Passage. Power stations are rising on the shore, concrete jetties are reaching into the sea, and LNG tankers are anchoring where fisherfolk used to fish. Environmental organizations and scientists warn against the impacts of the industrialization boom on marine ecosystems of the Verde Island Passage. During the construction, mud and sand can cloud the water and suffocate coral polyps, the tiny animals that build up coral reefs.¹⁵⁶¹⁵ Once the LNG terminals and power plants are in use, they pump used water back into the ocean. The regasification process cools down the used water and makes it a few degrees colder than the rest of the seawater. For the corals, this can be deadly. The slightest change in seawater temperature can stop the growth of coral polyps and damage the reefs.¹⁵⁶¹³ Discharge from the gas plants and terminals could also worsen the water quality.¹⁵⁶¹⁷

A marine environment does not have any borders. Any effects on one part of the ecosystem will inevitably spread to other parts.¹⁵⁶¹⁹ The fishing communities of Batangas are the first to feel this. Already now, fisherfolk are catching less fish than ever before. Industrial development, climate change, and unsustainable tourism have diminished the marine wildlife that people in Batangas depend on to earn a living. Local fishermen worry that the aggressive expansion of LNG facilities and gas power plants will make the situation even worse.¹⁵⁶²¹ The gas infrastructure is turning parts of Batangas Bay into an exclusive zone for the fossil fuel industry.¹⁵⁶²³ The fisherfolk are no longer allowed to enter some of their fishing grounds.¹⁵⁶²⁵ They fear that soon they will only catch waves and leaves.

All the new fossil infrastructure means the waters of Batangas could soon be dominated by LNG carriers. Along with LNG carriers comes an increased risk of accidents. AG&P and the other gas companies cannot rule out toxic leaks and spills from their carriers, terminals and power plants.¹⁵⁶²⁷ Recent oil spills in the Philippines show the dangers of ship accidents and spills for the nation's marine wildlife. In February 2023, an oil tanker sank near the island of Mindoro in the Verde Island Passage and leaked oil into the ocean. The oil slick blackened beaches and mangrove forests while volunteers tried to contain the spill in a race against time. Birds, fish and plants were coated in oil. More than 26,000 fishers can no longer earn a living.¹⁵⁶²⁹ In July 2024, yet another ship carrying 1.4 million liters of fuel oil sank not far from the Verde Island Passage.¹⁹⁵³⁸ If the gas companies’ plans go forward, the corals, fish, birds and coastal people would face even greater risks to their lives and livelihoods. 

A Costly Development for the Philippine People

A massive LNG rollout is the last thing the Philippines needs. Climate change is already a heavy burden for the island state.¹²²³⁷ Throughout the period between 2000 and 2019, the Philippines was among the top four countries hit hardest by climate change.¹²²³⁹ Rising sea levels are pushing the ocean into Philippine cities.^1224112243 Harder and more often than ever before, typhoons rage across the island nation.¹²²⁴⁵ They wreck coral reefs, erode the coastlines, flood villages, and drown people in their sleep.^1225112247 In December 2021, the super typhoon Rai killed more than 400 people and wrecked more than 535,000 houses.^1432114323 At the same time, the seawater is heating up and becoming more acidic. For corals, fish and other marine animals which thrive in a stable marine environment, climate change is already a severe threat.¹²²⁵⁹ The Philippines cannot afford more stress in the form of LNG carriers, terminals and power plants.