MAASIM, Sarangani — The church-led campaign against a proposed coal-power plant in this costal town province has gained an ally in world boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, who protesters expected to use his alliance with President Arroyo or his pound-for-pound jabs to “knock out”the controversial project.

Protesting residents have even chanted optimistic slogans after learning that Pacquiao is saying, “I swear that I will protect our seas and will not allow anyone to pollute the air that we breathe.”

Pacquiao announced his stand against the power plant while training in Baguio City for his bout against Puerto Rican Miguel Angel Cotto in November, through his regular column “Kumbinasyon” in a national tabloid.

The People”s Champ, who chairs the Mindanao-wide Task Force Save Earth, pointed out that coal-fired power plants all over the world, including those in the United States, are being shut down due to their ill effects and being a major cause of acid rain.

Pacquiao expressed his plan to run for a congressional seat in this province that covers this town, where the coal plant is being pushed for construction.

He claimed the proponent, Conal Holdings Corp., has “no permission” from the people of this town to build the controversial project.

He stressed that only a few influential families, citing the Alcantaras, will benefit from the project while the majority will be put in peril.

The Alcantaras’ Alsons Corp. owns 60 percent of Conal Holdings, the rest by the Electricity Generating Public Co., Thailand’s largest power producer.

Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, a member of the Alcantara clan, is supporting the coal plant, saying it will boost the province’s economy.

Dominguez, however, warned Conal Holdings to comply with government regulations on environmental and other aspects or it would not be allowed to operate.

Joseph C. Nocos, Conal Holdings vice president, said the firm welcomes opposition to the project but is open to dialogues to thresh out concerns.

“We assure the project will put in place sufficient measures to protect the environment in compliance with domestic and international standards,” he said.

Pacquiao’s move was praised by the local Catholic Church, which is leading the multi-sector opposition to the project.

“A popular person like Pacquiao hopefully can encourage more people to stand up against the coal plant. Global warming is such a serious threat to life and livelihood not only to the future but more so to the present (generation),” said Fr. Romeo Q. Catedral, social action director of the Diocese of Marbel.