Until its environmental impact is understood, decision on Parex is premature

IT is crucial for all of us — even for San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and its shareholders — to understand the environmental impact of the Pasig River Expressway (Parex). Parex should not go forward unless it has undergone the same environmental and economic due diligence that major public and private infrastructure projects are subject to.

Many experts believe that the negative impacts of Parex far outweigh any temporary benefits. The harm that Parex could bring might even exceed SMC's financial capacity. No final decision on Parex should be made unless its environmental and other impacts are well understood. It is good practice, it is the policy of the government and it is the right thing to do.