Bulacan execs say issuance of permits not irregular

First posted 11:31pm (Mla time) July 05, 2006
Inquirer

http://news.inq7.net/archive_article/index.php?ver=1&index=1&story_id=8331

Editor's Note: Published on Page A14 of the July 6, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

MALOLOS CITY—The Bulacan provincial government Tuesday said it was issuing mining permits but that it was not irregular, but a power vested on it by the Local Government Code.
In a statement, provincial administrator Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita said the authority to issue permits and licenses was provided for by the Local Government Code and the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

“The authority to issue permits and licenses to small-scale miners is a devolved function to the local government units. However, the issuance of the permit is scrutinized and deliberated on by the members of the provincial mining and regulatory board (PMRB),” Sta. Rita said.

She said the governor only approves the issuance of a permit and license upon the endorsement of the PMRB in accordance with the merits of the requirements submitted by applicants.
“The law authorizes the governor to follow this mandate,” she said.

On Monday, a labor group urged the filing of usurpation of authority charges against De la Cruz for issuing mining permits in Bulacan’s quarry sites. With a report from Carmela Reyes, PDI Central Luzon Desk