Dominguez on mine closures: 'I'm deeply concerned about 1.2M people affected'

After the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines claimed that about 1.2 million people will be affected by the latest closure and suspension orders issued against mining operations, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Friday said he is concerned primarily how the move would affect employment and government revenue.

"I am deeply concerned about the welfare of the 1.2 million people affected by the closure of the 23 PH mines. This will result in joblessness," Dominguez tweeted on Friday.

I am deeply concerned over the welfare of the 1.2 million people affected by the closure of the 23 PH mines. This will result in joblessness

— Carlos Dominguez III (@SecSonnySays) February 3, 2017

   The Chamber of Mines claimed that around 67,000 jobs, with a multiplier effect of 1.2 million people, will be hit    by the closure and suspension of mining operations.

"My next concern is the impact of the PH mines' closure on local gov't finances. Miners pay a lot of taxes to LGUs," Dominguez said.

My next concern is the impact of the PH mines' closure on local gov finances. Miners pay a lot of taxes to LGUs.

— Carlos Dominguez III (@SecSonnySays) February 3, 2017

During a press briefing early Friday, COMP Chairman Artemio Disini noted that around P66.6 billion in production losses is expected.

"We paid a total of P16.7 billion annually in terms of tax payments," Disini said.

The group also called for the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC), co-chaired by Dominguez, to convene and review what it claimed are policies and arbitrary actions of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez. — VDS, GMA News