Duterte rejects MICC recommendation, ban on open-pit mining stays

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday rejected the recommendation of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council to lift the ban on open-pit mining.

Duterte said he didn't see the mining companies taking corrective measures to help the environment.

"I must see the trees growing or blooming. Otherwise, why will I suffer for you? Sisirahan kita," Duterte said at a news conference.

"Ayaw ko [sa recommendation], because it is destroying the soil, the environment. At walang corrective measures kaagad," he added. —NB, GMA News