Groups demand Philippine industrial policy and alternative minerals law
Environmental and human rights advocates are calling on President Bongbong Marcos, Jr.'s administration to develop and publicly disclose a clear industrial policy for the country, rather than hastily entering into an agreement on Pax Silica and implementing the problematic Executive Order 122 on Critical Minerals.
At the launch of Mining Hell Week, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) National Coordinator Jaybee Garganera stated, “It is essential for the Philippines to have its own industrial policy to ensure that minerals extracted and possibly processed within the country support national industrialization, rather than simply supplying the needs of superpowers – whether that be a geopolitical bloc led by the United States or China.”
Garganera further criticized EO 122 for ensuring that the Philippines remains an open field for large-scale mining. “Without a national industrial policy to guide the utilization of minerals for the country, EO 122 will only serve to justify rampant extraction and enable sacrifice zones.”
Elizabeth Ibañez, Coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM), pointed to the case of large-scale mining in Sibuyan Island in Romblon. “Despite the island’s rich biodiversity and pristine natural resources, the government has opted to allow mining operations that would ultimately destroy the magnificence and abundance enjoyed by the people. Despite knowing the abuses and violations of the Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC), the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) has failed to act on our petition for the cancellation of the company’s mining contract.”
Meanwhile, Marylou Verano of Ang Aroroy ay Alagaan (4As) from Masbate lambasted the government's inaction in the face of the devastation caused by mining operations of Filminera Resources Corporation. “Our waters have been poisoned, our food contaminated by toxic chemicals, and many residents suffer from various health problems. Mining has systematically destroyed Aroroy's traditional, sustainable economy. But instead of stopping the destruction, this government is allowing the expansion of large-scale open-pit mining in Mount Pajo, which will further destroy our forests and remove our natural shield against typhoons. All these for the sake of corporate profits.”
Verano also stressed the disproportionate impact of mining on women. “Women largely bear the brunt of the negative impacts of mining as they struggle to make ends meet, deal with dirty food and water, as well as tend to health issues in the family,” she said.
The panelists called on the government to prioritize food, land, water, health, and livelihood for mining-affected communities instead of pursuing mining projects. They also particularly demanded the immediate legislation of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB).
House Representative from Akbayan Partylist Percival Ceñdana called on his fellow legislators to enact the proposed Philippine Mineral Resources Act, which carries similar provisions to the AMMB, to protect the country’s resources while rationalizing the extraction of minerals primarily for the country’s needs.
“The proposed bill provides stricter environmental standards, more no-go zones, and respect for indigenous rights while ensuring that mining serves national development goals. It will effectively repeal the flawed Mining Act, which has paved the way for indiscriminate and destructive large-scale mining operations,” Cong. Cendaña said.
In a video message, Senator Risa Hontiveros extended her solidarity with various groups resisting destructive mining. “Sa iba't ibang bahagi ng bansa, hindi maikakaila ang mapanirang epekto ng walang habas na pagmimina sa kalikasan at komunidad. Kaya huwag tayong tumigil, matakot o mapagod na magsalita, mangalap ng tamang impormasyon at mangalampag para sa mga kinakailangang reforma, lalo na ngayong may krisis sa ekonomiya at may paparating na tagtuyot dala ng Super El Nino. Ngayong Solidarity Week, palakasin pa natin ang ating commitment para pigilan ang iligal at walang habas na pagmimina saan man ito sa ating bansa,” she said.
(“In different parts of the country, the destructive impact of relentless mining on nature and communities is undeniable. So let us not stop; let us not be afraid or be tired of speaking out, gathering the right information and calling for the necessary reforms, especially now that there is an economic crisis and an impending drought brought on by Super El Nino. This Solidarity Week, let us reaffirm our commitment to curb illegal and ruthless mining wherever it may be in our country.”)
During the press conference, the leaders also launched “Tingog sang Katawhan” or “Voices of the People”, which aims to gather the demands and aspirations of Filipinos concerning environmental and human rights issues. The initiative hopes to consolidate alternatives for national development beyond the extractivist approach promoted by government.
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