Group wants probe on Mandanas over profiteering claims

Group wants probe on Mandanas over profiteering claims

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) called for an investigation into Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas for "profiteering" on liquefied natural gas (LNG) development in the province.

"We are calling for an in-depth investigation by the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) to confirm Gov. Mandanas's involvement in the LNG business," the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

PMCJ's call for an investigation came after Mandanas' financial stakes in LNG development in Batangas were exposed in a report by the Associated Press (AP) last June.

According to the AP, Mandanas is a major shareholder of AbaCore Capital Holdings Inc., where he owns 30 percent.

"Aside from its own LNG project, the firm also stands to earn millions through its Batangas properties valued at around $30 million," the PMCJ said, citing the AP.

Also, the group reported that residents in the province reported the dangers of the gas that they experienced firsthand.

"Should these developments push through, Batangueños are doomed to pay for their governor's greed with their own health and livelihood," they said.

They called on Mandanas to "step back" from the seat of governance so the investigation can go through without problem.

"The governor should also temporarily step back from their seat of governance to allow the investigation to proceed unmarred," the group wrote.