PAKIL MAYOR SAYS LGU CANNOT ENFORCE NHCP ORDER ON HYDRO PROJECT

The mayor of Pakil clarified that the local government has no legal authority to enforce the cease-and-desist order issued by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines against the proposed 1,400-megawatt Ahunan Pumped Storage Hydropower Project.

Mayor Ronaldo James Hidalgo said the LGU only received a copy of the order and that enforcement remains the responsibility of the issuing national agency or another legally mandated authority.

The NHCP ordered the immediate suspension of project activities after learning that construction allegedly continued without the required heritage impact assessment in an area containing historically and culturally significant sites, including the San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church and Turumba Spring.

Hidalgo nevertheless directed the project proponent, Ahunan Power Inc., to ensure that heritage sites are protected from any disturbance or damage caused by ongoing or future construction works.

The $5.03-billion hydropower project has faced growing opposition from church groups, environmental advocates, and residents over concerns about its potential impact on heritage sites, forests, water sources, and flood risks in surrounding communities.

Source: PhilNews24 | June 15, 2026