Manila Minority Councilors yesterday slammed efforts to keep Pandacan?s oil depot after it has been ordered to be relocated by City Ordinances 8027 and 8119.

First District Councilor Joy Dawis-Asuncion singled out a measure authored by First District Councilor Arlene Koa, pushing for an amendment to water down the two ordinances, which were approved during the term of Mayor Lito Atienza.

?It?s incomprehensible why the city government wants to repeal previous ordinances that secure the lives of Manile?os. No less than the Supreme Court upheld the past administration to ensure the safety of residents. Why change something truly beneficial for the people?? said Dawis-Asuncion, main proponent of Ordinance 8027.

Dawis-Asuncion notes that the oil companies are now complying and working out their relocation and transfer of operations.

Sixth District Councilor Bonjay Isip-Garcia, who principally authored Ordinance 8119, said the surprising move to keep the depot was being pressed by the same group that voiced concern over the safety of the residents.

?We are dedicated to protect Manilans. We will not allow our people to be endangered by irresponsibility even if it entails struggling it out in the courts,? she said.

Third District Councilor Joel Chua revealed that public hearings on the issue were being railroaded to make room for an amendment even as Fourth District Councilor Jo Quintos maintained that a repeal was untimely because it was within the prohibited period provided in the measure.

The Atienza administration, acting on the danger of an accident or terror attack that would lead to inconceivable loss of lives and damage to property, was able to compel the oil companies to scale down operations in Pandacan.

At least 11 tanks for aviation gas and kerosene were dismantled and a green buffer zone was established to protect the community.

?We are the only country which still has oil depots situated in a densely populated area. Ordinances 8027 and 8119 are non-negotiable,? said Third District Councilor Letlet Zarcal.