[CPEO-MEF] Senators urge inclusion of US toxic waste in talks

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Philippines
THE MANILA TIMES
Senators urge inclusion of US toxic waste in talks
Saturday, October 18, 2003

TWO senators on Friday urged President Arroyo to include in her talks
with visiting US President George W. Bush the toxic waste left by US
bases in Clark and Subic.

Senators Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan and Ralph Recto said Bush’s visit
today is the best time to let the American head of state know the
harmful effects of the toxic waste left by the US forces who left Clark
Air Base in Pampanga and Subic Naval Base in Olongapo City in 1991.

They said the Philippines should give priority to mutual cooperation on
public health issues, such as the cleanup of the toxic wastes.

“Let us not be preoccupied with all these cosmetic preparations for the
upcoming visit of President Bush,” Honasan said. “The government should
use the opportune time to raise legitimate issues, such as the
public-health hazards brought about by imported toxic waste
irresponsibly left behind in the former US bases.”

Honasan, former chair of Senate Committee on Environment, said the
government should stop playing deaf, dumb and blind to the recurrent
outbreak of diseases such as cancer brought about by the toxic-waste
materials near the former bases.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2003/oct/18/metro/20031018met1.html

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