The resignation of Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates as chair of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) is a curious nuance for this unique institution created via a special law, RA 7611 or the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) Law, to preside over the protection of Palawan’s environment.
Over the past two decades since its creation, the PCSD has faced criticisms over some of its resolutions and decisions that appeared more aligned with political expediency than ecological stewardship and its core principles of sustainable development. These decisions, at times contradicting scientific evidence, chips away at the credibility of the Council as an independent, principled body.
Governor Socrates’ resignation from the chairmanship, while retaining his seat in the Council, illustrates this long-standing tension. While the position of chair traditionally falls to the sitting governor of Palawan, the internal dynamics of the PCSD has apparently reached a breaking point here. The Council’s recent decision to terminate the participation of non-mandated members who brought independent voices and perspectives to the table proved to be the final straw. Socrates, often in the minority during votes, has apparently found himself at odds with a dominantly political body.
Socrates’ resignation might offer a glimmer of opportunity. No longer bound by the chair’s limited role of moderating discussions and breaking ties, he can now take a more active part in the Council’s deliberations. His voice, which has often been a dissenting one, could help recalibrate the internal discourse and highlight the importance of adhering to science-based decision-making – at least in its remaining term before the entire membership is reconstituted after the coming May elections.
What could be useful now is a collective reckoning for PCSD. The Council can revisit its founding principles, reaffirm its commitment to sustainability, and restore inclusive representation. The inclusion of civil society and non-government stakeholders should not be regarded as optional, but essential to the need to democratize a highly politicized body.
Palawan, with its globally significant biodiversity and fragile ecosystems, needs a robust and science based PCSD.
