ATM statement on EO 122
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expresses its indignation over the Office of the President’s Executive Order No. 122, which establishes a national policy framework for developing the critical minerals industry and reorganizes the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC).
First, we reject EO 122 for shamefully promoting “sustainable mining” when it has been clearly debunked as a concept.
Second, PBBM’s overly optimistic view of critical minerals without a clear industrial policy rests on hollow ground and will only bring about sacrifice zones.
Third, the emphasis on privatization and expansion of mineral lands is a direct threat to food and water security and poses health risks to affected communities. We completely reject the provision declaring “relinquished, expired and cancelled” mining contracts to be converted into mineral lands.
Fourth, local autonomy is given little value, virtually dismissing the expressed provisions of law on local government’s role in the approval of mining contracts.
Fifth, transparency and accountability are not given enough attention when they should precisely be highlighted given that political dynasties, including the President’s cousin and family, are direct beneficial owners of mining companies. If this is not checked, mining contracts will be the next corruption nexus. Related to this, there is no mention of the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) and its important work.
Sixth, the MICC is strengthened, but it utterly lacks civil society participation while ensuring private sector participation.
Seventh, it ensures that MICC’s work is aligned with FPIC guidelines, but does not recognize that the Indigenous Peoples’ sector strongly rejects these revised FPIC guidelines.
Eighth, a mine audit is absolutely absent when this should be a requisite to determine the application of the EO’s other provisions, such as privatization of mining assets and declaration of mineral reservations
We challenge President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to immediately start discussions with affected communities on how to address on-going barricades and legal questions against destructive mining projects.
Comments