Mining law repeal far-fetched, says legislator

First posted 06:22am (Mla time) Aug 06, 2006
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.Inquirer

http://news.inq7.net/archive_article/index.php?ver=1&index=1&story_id=13696

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

ILOILO CITY—Congress is not likely to repeal the Mining Act despite pressure from some Church leaders and environmental groups, an antimining congressman said Friday.

Marinduque Rep. Edmundo Reyes Jr. said the repeal of Republic Act 7942 or the Mining Act of 1995 is “far-fetched.”

“It will not be repealed in the immediate future,” Reyes said in a press conference here Friday following a forum on mining organized by the Archdiocese of Jaro.

Reyes said the Arroyo administration has “made it clear that mining is one of the industries that can help us get out from weak economic position right now.”

He said the government expects annual earnings from mining to reach between $5-7 billion.
Until there is an industry that can bring in similar revenues, the government will allow large-scale mining to continue, said Reyes.

Party-list congressmen have filed several bills seeking to repeal the law but Reyes said even if Congress enacts the bill, the President could still exercise her veto powers.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Jan. 29 issued a pastoral letter reiterating its position issued in 1998 calling for the repeal of the mining law.
In its statement, the CBCP said the Mining Act “destroys life.” The bishops said that mining “threatens people’s health and environmental safety through the wanton dumping of waste and tailings in rivers and seas.”

They said there is no safeguard against environmental tragedies and accidents despite the assurance of the Arroyo administration.

The CBCP also said residents in communities with mining operations are subjected to human rights violations and economic deprivation.

It called for the stop to 24 priority mining projects of the government and the closure of large-scale mining projects.

But mining firms have warned that heeding the call of the bishops would result in loss of jobs and livelihood for millions of people and would also drive away investors.

Reyes said because of the difficulty in repealing the Mining Act, campaigns against mining should be directed at the grassroots, especially in areas with ongoing or proposed mining projects.

He said local executives and legislators have to take a stand on the issue at each proposed mining area.

“This will be the battle ground,” said Reyes.