San Miguel's Parex and CO2 emissions claim

DURING the Environmental Management Bureau's public hearing on the proposed Pasig River Expressway (Parex) last March 25, 2022, one of the disturbing statements made by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) Infrastructure was that the Parex would reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions — in effect declaring that an urban expressway was a tool to fight climate change. This goes against the natural logic and common observation that more road space for motor vehicles attracts increased motor vehicle use and therefore more CO2 production from burning fossil fuels.

This claim was also made by SMC Infrastructure to the Office of the President in response to questions raised by Malacañang. Because the assertion was made to the highest levels of government, to national agencies responsible for transportation and the environment, and to concerned stakeholders, it should be based on science and backed by careful analysis. Because the climate crisis affects all of us profoundly, such a statement should not be made unless it is evidence-based. If false, and if urban expressways lead to increased CO2 emissions, SMC's statement could misinform key decision-makers and encourage investment decisions that could be harmful to Filipinos and the planet.