A Philippine diocese has renewed its decade-long fight against dirty energy, warning that coal projects, destructive quarrying, and poorly planned renewable energy projects are deepening the climate crisis and placing the greatest burden on poor communities.

In a statement signed by more than a hundred priests during their annual retreat on Nov. 14, the Diocese of Lucena stressed that Filipinos, especially the poorest, are enduring worsening calamities. 

Fr. Warren Puno, Director of the Ministry of Ecology in the Diocese of Lucena, said, “This is both a call and a prayer that as we call out traitors in power, we must also be role models for the faithful to act and speak out.”

The diocese reiterated its firm opposition to the 1,200 MW Atimonan coal-fired power plant, which the clergy said violates the 2020 coal moratorium and will not bring energy security.

“Our position is clear: This plant will not bring energy security, but will add risks, pollution, higher electricity costs, and greater suffering for poor consumers”, the statement read.

The clergy also opposed the 247 MW Banahaw Wind Power Project covering several towns in the Southern Tagalog region, south of Manila. While acknowledging the need for clean energy, the church leaders warned against sacrificing sacred and ecological sites.

“‘Green energy’ is not good energy if it destroys natural resources and puts lives at risk,” the statement said, pointing to risks to Mount Banahaw’s watersheds, biodiversity corridors, and its cultural and spiritual significance.

The diocese further joined calls to halt quarrying projects across Quezon province. The clergy warned that extractive activities strip forests and mountains, leaving poor families most vulnerable.

“When forests are stripped and mountains destroyed, the poor are the first to suffer floods, landslides, and loss of livelihood,” the clergy said. 

Fr. Puno stressed that all the effects of the projects that abuse nature “are borne by the poor and powerless sectors.” 

The clergy framed their stand as both a moral and social justice imperative. “The interests of big business must not be considered more important than the rights of the poor or the care of creation.”

The clergy urged urgent action, stressing that the country must not delay until more lives are lost. 

They emphasized the need to recognize the line between genuine development and destructive exploitation, and called on society to choose life, safeguard the future, and protect creation entrusted to humanity.