Lepanto, Philex Mining back Duterte's industry stance

Publicly-listed miners are supporting the call of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to halt mining companies from destroying the environment.

In an emailed statement, Lepanto Consolidate Mining Company President Bryan Yap promised to cooperate with the incoming administration in pushing for responsible environmental stewardship.

"[T]he thriving, dynamic, and first class municipality that is Mankayan, Benguet where the Lepanto mines are located, is the best proof that Lepanto has been and continues to be an exemplary corporate citizen," Lepanto claimed.

Philex Mining Corp., on the other hand, noted its history of "responsible mining," saying that the company would not put this on the line.

"That's 60 years of responsible mining... Surely, we do not want that kind of image or reputation to be tainted by the 'scalawags in the industry' that operate illegally and irresponsibly," Philex SVP for Public and Regulatory Affairs Michael T. Toledo said in  a separate statement.

In his thanksgiving speech, Duterte called on mining companies to shape up and put an end to environmental degradation.

"The problem with big mining companies is they are destroying our land...mining people must shape up... Lahat ng malalaking miners must stop, they are despoiling our land," he said. – Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News