Anti-mining group seeks alternative mining law

Anti-mining group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) on Monday launched a series of mobilizations for the week to push for the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB).

The highlight of its solidarity week of actions will be the filling of the AMMB by Senator Risa Hontiveros at the Senate on Thursday, which coincides with an international mining conference.
 
“I also support the call for a thorough investigation on the economic benefits of mining. Once and for all, let the facts speak for themselves if the mining industry truly serves the strategic interests and welfare of our nation,” Hontiveros said on Monday.

The senator has led the filling of a petition before the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the 1995 Mining Act.
 
The AMMB also provides stronger social and environmental safeguards compared to the current mining policy, according to Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat, who co-filed the measure on June 30 with Agusan Del Norte First District Rep. Lawrence Fortun as House Bill No. 113.
 
“In the last four years alone, at least four major disasters related to mining occurred and irreparably damaged various ecosystems,” Baguilat said.

“Mining sites likewise continue to invite conflict, violence, and human rights violations," he added.
 
Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao and Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin have also filed their separate versions of the AMMB in the Lower House.

Flawed proposal

"The Alternative Mining Bill is a flawed proposal that will not promote responsible mining and will only make it near-impossible for mining companies to enter and operate," Ronald Recidoro, vice president for legal and policy of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), told GMA News Online.

Recidoro noted that the AMMB will discourage investment in the mining sector as it "creates hostile and uncertain environment for investors."

"It's proposed regulatory regime is impractical to implement and convoluted. It's proposed fiscal regime is too high and will make the Philippines uncompetitive as an investment destination," he emphasized.

ATM National Coordinator Jaybee Garganera said the group welcomes the crackdown on mining firms through the ongoing mining audit.

In her first day as Department of Environment and Natural Resources chief, Environment Secretary Gina Lopez ordered an audit of all mining operations in the country.

To date, the DENR has suspended 10 mining firms in line with its ongoing environmental crackdown.

President Rodrigo Duterte has made it clear that the Philippines can and will survive without a mining industry.

“Our alliance welcomes the mining audit, a standing commitment from the previous administration, even as we recognize its limitations. The mining industry must uphold not just the strictest environmental standards but also the rights of mining-affected communities and the rest of the Filipino people,” Garganera said. — VDS, GMA News