Lawmakers file measures for ‘mining-free zones’
by Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com
March 3, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — Several members of the House of Representatives have filed measures declaring “mining-free zones” as they raised concerns over the “destructive effects” of mineral extraction.

Representatives Deogracias Ramos (Sorsogon), Isidro Ungab (Davao City), Cesar Sarmiento (Catanduanes), Eleandro Madrona (Romblon) and Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro City) have filed various measures in the House of Representatives affirming their districts as mining-free.

Representatives Carlos Padilla (Nueva Viscaya), Teddy Baguilat (Ifugao) and Mel Senen Sarmiento (Western Samar), Raymond Palatino (Kabataan), Teddy Casino (Bayan Muna) and Luz Ilagan (Gabriela) have also filed similar measures “to protect the environment from environmental plunder due to mining operations.”

“We need to protect our environment, protect our people and put a stop to destructive mining,” the lawmakers said on the 17th anniversary of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

Read full article @ www.interaksyon.com