Philex mining chief Pangilinan says PHL needs EPA-like environment commission

Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman and CEO of Philex Mining Corp., has put forth a set of policy recommendations, including the creation of a commission similar to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States.   The Philex chief said the EPA-like agency can be formed from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) spun off from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as an independent commission.   He explained that the “apparently conflicting goals” of the EMB and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau “can, at times, place the DENR in a policy dilemma” for which the remedy is spinning off the EMB.   Pangilinan pointed out that the MGB is tasked to promote, develop and supervise mining while the EMB enforces environmental laws.   He said regulation is necessary for the mining sector. “Our industry must learn to accept that proper regulatory attention will provide the comfort to all stakeholders and critics that responsible mining is possible in our country as it has been, and still is, in other countries like Australia, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and even Indonesia."   Pangilinan also expressed openness to profit-sharing scheme that will enable government to gain its appropriate share from mining activities.   "I'm not suggesting something new. Profit sharing is standard in the oil and gas industry and in most parts of the world, as indeed it exists in our FTAA [Finance and Technical Assistance Arrangement] regime," he said.   Philex claims it paid in 2011 taxes amounting to P2.3 billion in national and local taxes. He urged the national government to ensure the timely remittance of taxes due to local government units.   “After all, mining is location-specific, and I sympathize with LGU's desire to realize the fruits of the resources situated in their communities," Pangilinan said.   Another proposal he made is for mining firms to partly bear the cost of improving the DENR’s supervisory capabilities “through funding of scholarships and training here and abroad, procurement of equipment and hiring of requisite personnel."   The cost would be in the form of a supervisory and regulatory fee like that telecom companies pay to the National Telecommunications Commission. —  ELR, GMA News