Bishop: Mining EO needs careful study

MANILA, June 27, 2012— A Catholic bishop appealed to President Benigno Aquino III to be considerate with the people opposing mining in their areas, saying that they are the ones who will suffer most of the consequence of mining.

Digos Bishop Guillermo Afable urged Aquino to study carefully before implementing the government’s new mining policy and seriously consider its effects to the communities and the environment.

“At the end of the day, for better and for worse, the local people will face the effects (of mining) and not those in Manila,” Afable said.

Aquino is set to sign on a new mining executive order, which Malacañang hopes to strike a balance between conflicting interests between the mining industry and environment.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., earlier said the final draft EO also attempts “to harmonize seemingly conflicting laws, rules and regulations – particularly national laws and local laws.”

This early, however, 40 governors have already questioned the upcoming EO, adding that it could set aside local ordinances against mining.

But Aquino yesterday stood by the upcoming EO and said he will not prevent anti-mining governors to question the new policy before the court.

“That’s why he (Aquino) should carefully study that EO first before signing and consider the effects of mining to the environment,” Afable said.

“Coordination is also important between the local and national governments and the local stakeholders,” he said. “We are also hoping that the new mining policy would give a clear guideline for all the stakeholders.”

The bishop clarified that the church is not against mining per se, but believes that measures to safeguard the environment, and protect indigenous communities’ rights should be required.

“We are not against economic benefits but we know for a fact that these are only temporary. It’s there today, gone tomorrow. And the negative effects of mining will be there permanently,” he said. [RL/CBCPNews] source: http://nassa.org.ph/?p=1390

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.