Malacanang released today the much-awaited new mining policy, but according to research group IBON the measure merely affirms government’s main intent of getting a bigger cut from foreign exploitation of Filipino mineral resources.
Among others, the mining Executive Order (EO) which outlines a new set of mining policies, seeks to undermine the authority of local governments and of communities to regulate mining operations in their jurisdictions in the shallow monetary interest of national government for a greater share in mining revenues, said IBON.
Overall, the mining EO does not fundamentally change the character of the administration’s thrust of encouraging as many investors in mining as possible even if this means scant benefits for communities and the local economy and the irreversible loss of the country’s minerals. It does not intend to truly develop the mining industry and maximize its potential benefits for people and the environment.
According to IBON, a responsible mining policy is not just about the national government getting a cut from mineral resource plunder and short-term community dole-outs by mining firms. Rather it should address the long-term environmental consequences as well as the irreversible loss of Filipino minerals for Philippine development. (end)
