MacroAsia says Palawan mining permits duly acquired

Lucio Tan’s MacroAsia Corp. on Monday denied allegations that the company did not consult the local community which will be directly affected by its latest mining project prior to its application for a government permit. The allegation was made by Brooke’s Point, Palawan vice mayor Jean Feliciano. Brooke’s Point is the site of MacroAsia’s nickel mining project, which will be undertaken with Chinese mining giant Jinchuan Group Ltd. “Vice Mayor Feliciano insists that MacroAsia’s permits are defective. She should verify her information first before issuing statements. As a lawyer – and now as an elected official representing both pro and anti-mining constituents – she should be more circumspect in issuing statements that may cause irreparable harm to other people’s reputations," Rufo Cabanlig, MacroAsia vice president for mining operations said in a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange. Cabanlig said MacroAsia complied with all mining rules and regulations required by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, including the requirement of holding public consultations. “Our (mining permits) were issued by the DENR only after we have complied with all the requirements," Cabanlig said. MacroAsia also has investments in aviation related services like aircraft maintenance and repair. - GMANews.TV