On Mayor Benedito's Refusal to Sign SB Endorsement of Ipilan Nickel's Envi Clearance

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) supports Brooke’s Point, Palawan Mayor Cesareo Benito Jr. for refusing to sign the Sangguniang Bayan Resolution endorsing the renewal of Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) Clearance for Ipilan Nickel Corporation.

However, a refusal to sign the endorsement is not enough. Despite not putting his signature to the SB’s Resolution, the endorsement will still be deemed approved and take effect.

To fully commit to the municipality’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and the importance of environmental protection, Mayor Benedito must take a step further.

We challenge the good Mayor to veto the SB Resolution and prioritize the chosen development path of his municipality and respect the anti-mining position of his constituents. This would also just be consistent with the strong opposition of the communities and residents, who have long resisted the destructive operations of the mining company.

We further call on the seven (7) SB Councilors who voted for the endorsement to listen to the people they represent. The welfare of the residents, who rely on fisheries and agriculture, must take precedence over the harmful extraction of the area’s mineral resources. The people must also be protected from the floodings during typhoons that are either caused by or worsened by mining.

We call on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to heed the demands of the local communities and put a stop to the operations of Ipilan Nickel Corporation.

The reality of climate change and the impacts of extreme weather events, such as super-typhoons like ST Tino, must compel local governments to seriously address the land use plans and permanent changes brought by mining operations. As what we have seen these past days, these changes do result in greater risks and destruction.

#AlyansaTigilMina #ATM #IpamanaHuwagIpamina #NoToDestructiveMining