Communities Unite to Oppose P33-Billion Banahaw Wind Power Project

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Quezon Province, Philippines — A growing coalition of residents, advocates, and organizations under the banner of One Banahaw is standing against the proposed 247-megawatt Banahaw Wind Power Project, a P33.5-billion development led by Gigawind4 Inc., a subsidiary of ACEN Renewables of the Ayala Group.

The project, which covers over 4,500 hectares across Tayabas and Sariaya, plans to install 38 wind turbines, each as tall as a 40-story building, along with new roads, substations, and transmission lines. Proponents claim it will generate jobs, increase renewable capacity, and boost local revenues.

However, One Banahaw warns that the project poses grave threats to the environment, culture, and communities:

Violation of the Law: Mount Banahaw is a Protected Landscape under RA 9847, making the project legally questionable.

Ecological Damage: Banahaw is a biodiversity hotspot and potential reintroduction site for the Philippine Eagle.

Cultural Threat: Banahaw is a sacred mountain, central to Filipino spiritual and cultural traditions.

Water and Food Security Risks: The mountain serves as a critical watershed supplying surrounding towns.

Geological Hazards: As a dormant volcano, Banahaw faces risks of landslides and erosion intensified by heavy construction.

Organizers emphasize they are not against renewable energy, but oppose its development inside ecologically and culturally sensitive areas.

“This is not just about Banahaw. It’s about protecting our environment, our culture, and the future of our children,” said one community leader.

One Banahaw is urging the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the DENR to reject the project and is calling on volunteers, advocates, and the public to lend their voices to protect Banahaw.

Call to Action:

“Protect Banahaw—for the people, for the culture, for future generations.”

BATAS NG MAMAMAYAN (CITIZEN RULE)

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Dumating na ang oras ng pagbawi!

Sa ika-21 ng SETYEMBRE, muling aalingawngaw ang mga tinig ng kasaysayan habang tayo, ang mga mamamayang Pilipino, ay bumabangon upang iproklama ang bukang-liwayway ng BATAS NG MAMAMAYAN (CITIZEN RULE).

Mula sa sagradong lupain ng Bagumbayan, Luneta, sa ganap na 9 ng umaga, kung saan minsan ay dumanak ang dugo ng mga bayani para sa ating kalayaan, hanggang sa simbolikong People Power Monument sa ganap na 2 ng hapon, tayo ay titindig nang nagkakaisa, isang hindi mapipigilang alon ng pagkakaisa, tapang, at lakas.

Masdan ang mga mukha ng kilusang ito: determinado, hindi susuko, at nag-aalab sa matuwid na galit ng isang bansang inapi. Tayo, ang libu-libong tinig ng Pilipinas, ay itataas ang ating mga kamao hindi bilang pagsuway, kundi bilang pagpapatunay sa ating likas na kapangyarihan. Hayaan ang matingkad na kulay ng ating watawat, na itataas nang buong pagmamalaki, na maging tanglaw laban sa dilim, na nagbibigay-liwanag sa isang landas patungo sa isang kinabukasan na hinubog ng mga tao, para sa mga tao.

Ito ay hindi lamang isang protesta; ito ay isang malalim na deklarasyon, isang kolektibong pangako, at isang matatag na hakbang tungo sa isang panahon kung saan ang kalooban ng mga mamamayan ang siyang maghahari. Sumama ka. Maging bahagi ng mahalagang sandaling ito. Hayaan ang mundo na masaksihan ang matibay na diwa ng bansang Pilipino habang binabawi natin ang ating kapalaran!

The hour of reclamation is upon us! On SEPTEMBER 21ST, the echoes of history will roar anew as we, the sovereign Filipino people, rise to declare the dawn of CITIZEN LAW (CITIZEN RULE). From the hallowed grounds of Bagumbayan, Luneta, at 9 AM, where heroes once shed blood for our freedom, to the symbolic People Power Monument at 2 PM, we will stand as one, an unbreakable tide of unity, courage, and strength.

Look upon the faces of this movement: determined, unyielding, and burning with the righteous anger of a nation wronged. We, the countless voices of the Philippines, will raise our fists not in defiance, but in affirmation of our inherent power. Let the vibrant colors of our flag, held high and proud, be a beacon against the shadows, illuminating a path toward a future forged by the people, for the people.

This is not merely a protest; it is a profound declaration, a collective promise, and a resolute step into an era where the will of the citizens reigns supreme. Join us. Be part of this defining moment. Let the world witness the unwavering spirit of the Filipino nation as we reclaim our destiny!

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BIR-AMLC joins forces in Tax Fraud Audit of Contractors, Public Officials, and Private Individuals involved in Flood Control Scandal

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. held a meeting together with Executive Director Matthew David of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) last September 12, 2025. Together with auditors from the BIR and investigators from the AMLC, the two agencies discussed how tax evasion and money-laundering charges may be filed against companies and individuals involved in anomalous flood control projects.

"The BIR is in close-coordination with the AMLC in relation to the tax fraud audit of companies and individuals involved in anomalous flood control projects.  The AMLC has visibility over the bank transactions of these companies and individuals. This data is crucial in completing the tax fraud audit of the BIR because the Senate and House of Representatives investigations show that there is undeclared wealth or income. This joint BIR-AMLC investigation will ensure that all revenue streams and assets of those involved will be accounted for. No stone will be left unturned," Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The AMLC has the power to require the submission of bank reports on companies and individuals that are suspected to be engaged in money laundering. These bank reports and transactions can be analyzed with tax returns and payments in conducting a tax fraud audit. If the wealth of the contractor or individual as stated in bank records does not have corresponding tax payments, then there is a case for tax evasion.

"The BIR will conduct a tax fraud audit of all contractors, public officials, and private individuals involved in anomalous flood control projects. The BIR is already in coordination with the AMLC, DPWH, COA, LRA, LTO, and other government agencies. The BIR is also ready to cooperate with the investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. All available BIR personnel have been deployed for this investigation," Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The BIR has been conducting a parallel investigation since President Bongbong Marcos Jr. announced the top 15 flood control contractors in a press conference. This parallel investigation extended to companies and individuals outside the top 15 contractors due to the findings of the Senate and House of Representatives hearings. The BIR has also taken into account which contractors have Ghost Projects that were confirmed by the President and the Department of Public Works and Highways.