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[Statement] CBCP-NASSA and ATM Joint Statement on the Mining Issue During the Visit of Pope Francis Manila and Tacloban in the Philippines: 15-19 January 2015

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

CBCP-NASSA and ATM
Joint Statement on the Mining Issue During the Visit of Pope Francis
Manila and Tacloban in the Philippines: 15-19 January 2015

“Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell (Num. 35:34).”

In two instances, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has published statements on the mining issue in the Philippines. In 1995, the CBCP asked for the repeal of the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942) citing the “devastating effects and the adverse social impacts of mining that will destroy both environment and people and will lead to national unrest”. The Bishops expressed their support for the many local petitions against mining operations in the Philippines. Then in 2006, CBCP re-affirmed their stand for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, believing that “the Mining Act destroys life”. The Bishops stated that “allowing the interests of big mining corporations to prevail over people’s right to these sources amounts to violating their right to life. Furthermore, mining threatens people’s health and environmental safety through the wanton dumping of waste and tailings in rivers and seas.”

Last Sept. 9, 2013, Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone read the message of Pope Francis to the mining industry during the Day of Reflection between the Mining Industry and the Vatican. The Holy Father reminded everyone that “ the great challenge of business leaders is to create a harmony of interests, involving investors, managers, workers, their families, the future of their children, the preservation of the environment on both a regional and international scale, and a contribution to world peace.”

CBCP-NASSA and ATM believes that any meaningful dialogue or engagement with the mining industry must be strongly built on the Catholic Social Teachings and informed by the principles of:

a) Integrity of Creation – The interrelatedness and interconnectedness of nature and man within nature, must be recognized, and that large-scale destruction of forests by mining operations must be contained to preserve ecological sustainability.
b) Responsible Stewardship – Human extractive activity must not disrupt sustenance of current needs nor the needs of future generations. Human activity must promote harmony and development that correspond with God’s plan, paying close attention to consequences of these actions
c) Human Dignity – mining projects must not exploit the already marginalized people, including the mine workers who are not justly compensated, or the farmers who lose their irrigation, or the fishers who see their waters contaminated or the indigenous peoples who not only lose their lands, but their livelihoods and culture as well, and women and children lose their access to health and well-being
d) Preferential Option for the Poor – communities affected by mining loss their access to land and water, leaders are bribed and corruption breeds bad governance, and the benefits of mineral extractions are cornered by the elites.

To this end, we implore the Holy Father to support and stand with the communities, local organizations and popular movements who are responding to the challenges of the mining industry. We urge Pope Francis to:

1. Support the call of Philippine Bishops and the mining-affected communities to repeal the Philippine Mining Act (RA 7942) and the clamor for a new mining law that recognizes the environment and ecology, respects human rights and ensures that negative impacts of mining are completely addressed and avoided;
2. Ensure that the voices of the marginalized and the poor are heard and given space in any dialogue or interaction between the Church and the mining industry, from the local up to the global levels;
3. Encourage the Catholic leadership as well as other religious leaders, to practice their stewardship role in facilitating harmony, peace and social justice to address the issues brought by mining and other extractive industries. The way forward must include a true discernment incorporating the attempt to correct historical injustices, promoting greater transparency and seeking and working for alternatives to the market-driven and consumerist-materialist economic system.

We are confident that the Holy Father will be the inspiration of Filipinos who struggle to convert and renew themselves, and become true stewards of God’s creation. We continuously invoke the grace of the Holy Spirit to bless us with spiritual fervor, and we are ever grateful to Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, for her intercession.

Signed.
Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines
National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA)

and

Alyansa Tigil Mina
(Alliance Against Mining)

Statement

[Statement] CBCP supports the People’s Initiative to abolish the pork barrel system -PIAP

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

CBCP supports the People’s Initiative to abolish the pork barrel system

The people’s initiative to abolish the pork barrel system got a big boost from the recently concluded plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

The Catholic Bishops agreed to support the people’s initiative, which aims to enact a law that abolishes presidential and congressional pork barrel, prohibits and criminalizes appropriation and use of lump sum discretionary funds and mandates line item budgeting.

The CBCP’s decision comes at a time when the Catholics nationwide are celebrating 2014 as “The Year of the Laity”.

During the discussion of various issues under the CBCP Committee on the Laity, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma appealed to his colleagues to give moral blessing and backing to two people’s initiatives – that of the People’s Initiative to Abolish Pork Barrel and the People’s Initiative Against Political Dynasties.

“In order to put a final lid on the pork barrel system, specifically in the legislative and executive branches of government, we support the proposal from anti-pork barrel groups in the whole country that the sovereign people use the 1987 Philippine Constitution provision on the passage of a law through the people’s initiative,” Archbishop Palma said.

The anti-pork people’s initiative is being spearheaded by the newly formed coalition, the People’s Initiative to Abolish Pork Barrel (PIAP).

PIAP includes the Abolish Pork Movement, Cebu Coalition Against Pork Barrel, Church People Against Pork Barrel, E-Pirma, Makabayan, Scrap Pork Network and Solidarity.

Many organizations also stand behind the people’s initiative in pushing to define and prohibit political dynasties. The CBCP had issued a pastoral statement in January 2013, denouncing the worsening problem of political dynasties nationwide.

After a discussion in the CBCP plenary, a consensus emerged to focus first and ensure the success of the people’s initiative to abolish the pork barrel system and next, the people’s initiative against political dynasty.

The CBCP saw the pork barrel as a burning and pressing issue that has sparked people’s outrage, providing favorable conditions for the initiative to end congressional and presidential pork barrel, a big source of corruption and patronage politics.

The Bishops agreed to back the August 23, 2014 People’s Congress being called by the coalition PIAP. The People’s Congress will finalize the people’s initiative proposed law against pork barrel and firm up plans for nationwide education and signature campaign. A kick-off rally will be held at Plaza Independencia on the same day to start the nationwide signature drive.

PRESS STATEMENT
July 8, 2014
For Reference: Sr. Mary John Mananzan (09178980637) * Marc Canton (09273493409) * Mae Paner (09178106145) * Atty. Alex Lacson (09285500712) * Manny SD Lopez (09179582735) * Fr. Ben Alforque (09178263496)

Statement

[Statement] On the 116th Philippine Independence Day Celebration -Visayas Clergy Discernment Group

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

A Statement on the 116th Philippine Independence Day Celebration
June 12, 2014

In behalf of the bishops and priests of the Visayas Clergy Discernment Group (VCDG), I join the Filipino nation in the celebration of the 116th anniversary of the victory of Filipino heroism against foreign tyranny and oppression.

The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines also declared this year as the Year of the Laity, in which the laity are called to: “Choose to be Brave: Called to be Saints, Sent Forth as Heroes!”

A fitting way to celebrate our freedom from Spanish Colonization is the commitment to genuine human liberation or integral salvation, where all peoples have “life in its fullness” (John 10:10).

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Pastoral Exhortation for the 2014 Year of the Laity called on everyone, especially the laity, to address these situations which are not pleasing to God: dehumanizing poverty, graft and corruption, greed for power and money, and ignoring the common good.

The CBCP reminds us, “The renewal of our country thus demands of us all, and especially of our lay faithful, a return to truthfulness and the fostering of the sense of the common good.”

Furthermore, the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II) said that in our country “where the poor and marginalized have little genuine participation… we realize that integral development of people will be possible only with their corresponding empowerment” (PCP II, 326).

We, bishops and priests of the VCDG, believe that an organized and empowered people will be able to get rid of an elite politics, thus achieving genuine democracy.

Today, we join our people in the call to end corruption and to abolish the pork barrel system. We are one in the call that the welfare of our people, especially the poor, must be held supreme.

All of us must continually work for genuine freedom, so that all peoples will have the fullness of life.

For a society without justice is not really free. According to St. Augustine, “A state which is not governed according to justice would be just a bunch of thieves.”

On behalf of the Visayas Clergy Discernment Group,

MOST REV. GERARDO A. ALMINAZA, D.D.
Bishop of San Carlos
VISAYAS CLERGY DISCERNMENT GROUP
E-Mail Address: visayasclergydiscernment@yahoo.com

Statement

[Press Release] Groups condemn ambush of B’laan leader and member in minerals-rich Davao del Sur -ATM

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Groups condemn ambush of B’laan leader and member in minerals-rich Davao del Sur
Demand immediate investigation, pullout of paramilitary groups

Groups, supporting the opposition of indigenous peoples and faith-based organizations to the Tampakan Copper Gold Mining project, condemn the recent report of ambush of B’laans Eking Freay and his brother-in-law Sonnny Boy Planda on June 28.

It was between 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning when the two were on their way home after selling their crops in Brgy. Kimlawis when they were fired at by alleged members of Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) under Task Force KITACO (Kiblawan, Tampakan, Columbio). Planda was fatally wounded and later died while on his way to Davao City for medical treatment, a report said.

Freay, community leader of T’bol of the Bong Mal B’laan Territory, was hit in the right thigh and the back but was able to flee toward Bong Mal.

“We condemn the killings and the attack to indigenous communities who have opposed mining in there area. There is more than enough evidence to show that the presence of paramilitary groups there is detrimental to the communities, especially when we know that Task Force KITACO is paid for by the mining company opposed by the people,” said Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina.

Freay is one of the sons of Bong Fulong Anting Freay of the Freay-Capion Clan, and publicly expresses his strong opposition on the presence of SMI/Xstrata and of military detachments in Bong Mal.

“The recent attempted murder of Eking Freay and Sonny Boy Planda adds to the series of unsolved killings victimizing the B’laan community opposing the Tampakan Copper Gold Mining project. The incident clearly illustrates that communities affected by large-scale and destructive mining operations consistently serve as magnets of violence, deception and other forms of human rights violations,” said Dr. Nymia Pimentel Simbulan, executive director of the Philippine Human Rights Information Center.

Simbulan also called on the different government agencies to immediately take action.

“We call upon concerned agencies of the Aquino government specifically the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Justice Department to immediately take action so that justice may be served to victims of the crime. We likewise, urge the Commission on Human Rights to implement measures that will protect the indigenous peoples’ right to life and security.”

Fr. Edu Gariguez, executive secretary of the National Secretariat for Social Action—Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP-NASSA) added: “This kind of incident demands immediate action from the State that should protect and uphold the rights of Filipino peoples. Such impunity done towards our indigenous brothers and sisters in Tampakan is unacceptable. Gathering that this is mining-related, if not solely due to mining investments, then the more that mining should not be allowed in the area.”

During a Congressional Hearing of the National Cultural Communities chaired by Rep. Teddy Brawner-Baguilat in February 2013, then Kiblawan Mayor Marivic Diamante confirmed that Sagittarius Mines Inc (SMI) is providing funds for the CAFGU and military operations in the KITACO area.

“We demand an immediate investigation of government offices concerning this. This is not a random event and most importantly, this is not the first time that anti-mining indigenous peoples are killed in Bong Mal, where there is strong opposition to the Tampakan mining project,” Garganera concluded.

The groups maintained that opposition to mining operations in the country are nearing tense levels, as violence and human rights abuses against anti-mining communities also escalate. The same environmental and human rights groups urge Congress to pass a new mining law to address these conflicts.

ATM is part of the Tampakan Forum, a coalition of international and local organizations that serves as technical working group on the Tampakan mining issue.

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of EO 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, and passage of the AMMB. (30)

Press Release
July 5, 2013
For more information:
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator (0927) 761.76.02 nc@alyansatigilmina.net
Dr. Nymia Pimentel Simbulan, PhilRights Executive Director nymia.pimentel@gmail.com
Fr. Edu Gariguez, CBCP-NASSA Executive Secretary edugariguez@gmail.com
Farah Sevilla, ATM Policy Advocacy Officer (0915) 331.33.61 policy@alyansatigilmina.net

Press Release

[Press Release] Groups hold indignation rally in Mendiola vs. P-Noy’s silence on Tampakan Project -ATM

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Groups hold indignation rally in Mendiola vs. P-Noy’s silence on Tampakan Project

Manila – Worried, angry and determined, about 500 anti-mining protesters invaded Mendiola yesterday after President Aquino remained silent on their appeal to drop the Tampakan mining project in South Cotabato referred to by them as the “world’s most dangerous mining project.”

Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina said that the president’s non-commitment to ditch the project may also mean that anytime soon the government will approve the appeal of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) to acquire an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the said project.

“But we cannot just let it happen especially at this time that we are witnessing how the ‘poster boy’ of responsible mining, Padcal mining in Benguet bares itself as another tragedy that the country have to face,” Garganera added.

Environmental groups, members of indigenous communities and anti-mining campaigners in Metro Manila took part in the rally and marched on the street of Morayta chanting that ‘Tampakan is a disaster waiting to happen.’

Last August, two bishops in Mindanao and several environmental groups in the country sent a letter to the president outlining the reasons why the Tampakan project should be discarded immediately.

“For a project as deadly as the Tampakan project, one month of waiting for its cancellation is very long already,” said award-winning environmental activist and priest, Fr. Edwin Gariguez, of the social arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“If the president thinks that we will laud this multi-billion investment, no! The disaster it may bring to our people may cost even more than that,” Gariguez added.

Bishop Dinualdo D. Gutirrez, DD, bishop of the Diocese of the Diocese of Marbel which covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Saranagani and parts of Sultan Kudarat reaffirmed the stand of CBCP that open-pit mining, the method that will be used by SMI in the Tampakan project, should be banned in the country as it is very destructive to the environment.

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of Executive Order 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and passage of the AMMB. (30)

____
For more information:
Fr Edu Gariguez, CBCP-NASSA Executive Secretary, edugariguez@gmail.com, 0922-8348248
Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator, nc@alyansatigilmina.net; 0927-7617602
Farah Sevilla, ATM policy and advocacy officer, policy@alyansatigilmina.net; 0915-3313361
Edel S. Garingan – communications@alyansatigilmina.net; 0922-8918972

ATM Press Release
Sept. 21, 2012

Press Release

[Event] Padyak para sa Katutubo at Kalikasan II (PKK II)

Posted on September 2, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Indigenous Peoples Sunday
PADYAK PARA SA KATUTUBO AT KALIKASAN II (PKK II)
October 13-14, 2012

On October 14, the Church will celebrate the 35th Indigenous Peoples Sunday. A yearly event that started in 1978 by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, our Bishops have accepted and declared the second Sunday of October as Indigenous Peoples Sunday (formerly Tribal Filipino Sunday), thereby intending to call attention to the plight of our indigenous brothers and sisters who are so often exploited and discriminated against in our society.

To date, more than ten (10) million IPs, yearning for respect and survival, challenge us, their Christian brothers, to help redeem them from this undeserved situation. Their experience and aspiration remind us how life is interrelated with land as gift from the Creator, and the dignity of all women and men as children of God.

This year’s theme is “Evangelization and Inculturation”. Evangelization – the absorption of Gospel values, and Inculturation – expressing these values in terms that are understandable by the indigenous peoples and respectful of their cultural practices – go hand in hand.

And to muster the active participation of as many people as possible, a biking into the land of our indigenous sisters and brothers called “Padyak para sa Katutubo at Kalikasan II” is being proposed.

The Organizer: Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (CBCP-ECIP), in coordination with the Vicariate of Calapan, Mangyan Mission, the Diocese of Kalibo, and the Atis of Boracay Island.

The Objectives 1. To raise awareness on the plight of our country’s indigenous peoples and the current situation of our environment;

2. In particular, to drum up support for our IP sisters and brothers of Oriental Mindoro facing the threat of mining and other ecological destructions, and to support the installation and occupation of Atis in their ancestral domain in Boracay Island; and

3. To promote biking for a healthy body and for a clean & sustainable environment.

The Event: As part of the Indigenous Peoples Sunday celebration, a two-day biking event that will start in the morning of October 13 in Calapan City and will end in the afternoon of October 14 in Brgy. Manoc-manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.

Call time at Batangas Pier on October 12 (Friday) at around 3 pm. We will get the 4 pm boat to Calapan City. Estimated time of arrival in Calapan City port at around 6 pm. We will bike from Calapan port to Barangay Lalud, Calapan City. In Lalud, we will take our dinner and accommodation at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

On the morning of October 13, the bikers will proceed from Lalud to the Calapan Cathedral for a Eucharistic celebration at 6:00 AM. After the mass, the peleton will start and will stop at the following municipalities of Victoria (Breakfast), Pinamalayan (AM Snacks), Bongabong (Lunch) and Roxas (PM Snacks). A total of 124 kilometers from Calapan Cathedral to Roxas Pier. From Roxas, the participants will take a boat to Caticlan port, then another boat from caticlan to Boracay Island. From Boracay Port, the bikers will proceed to the ancestral domains of Ati in Barangay Manoc-manoc, Boracay Island and will spend the night in tents along Boracay white beach.

In the early morning of October 14, the actual IP Sunday, the bikers will go to the parish of the Most Holy Rosary for a Eucharistic celebration. Right after the mass, the parish will sponsor a breakfast for the bikers. After breakfast, a parade-procession with the bikers will proceed along the beach of Boracay going back to Barangay Manoc-manoc. A sponsored lunch from the supporters of Atis in Boracay Island and prepared by Ati themselves will be served for the bikers. A short program will follow. Between 2pm -5pm is free time, and call time for departure at 5:30 pm. We expect to board the 8 pm boat from Caticlan to Batangas City by 7 pm. Estimated time of arrival in Batangas City is around 5 am of October 15.

The Participants: Around 150 bike enthusiasts from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are expected to participate, together with bishops, priests, lay and IP leaders.

There will be no registration fee for this Padyak para sa Katutubo at Kalikasan II. However, we are requiring the participants to shoulder their own transportation expenses. Specifically, the following are the regular boat fees (plus terminal and environmental fees in Boracay):

Batangas Pier to Calapan City – P 240.00 + P192.00 (bike)
Roxas, Or. Min. to Caticlan, Malay – P 460.00 + P368.00 (bike)
Caticlan to Boracay Island – P 50.00 + P 34.00 (bike) round trip
Caticlan to Batangas Pier – P 862.75 + P350.00 (bike)
Caticlan terminal Fee P 25.00
Boracay Envi Fee P 75.00
__________________

Total P1,712.75 + P944.00 = P2,656.75

We are still negotiating for discounts with Montenegro Shipping and To Go Travel. We will inform you as soon as we finish the negotiation.

Event

[People] Last lap for the RH Bill? By Walden Bello

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Afterthoughts

Last lap for the RH Bill?
By Walden Bello

Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 27, 2012

With Congress resuming deliberations after the nation was united in response to the unending rains of early August and brought together in mourning the untimely departure of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, the battle over the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill will again move to center stage.

Let me try to answer the most frequently asked questions on where Congress is at on the bill.

What is the status of the bill?

House Bill 4244, better known as the Responsible Parenthood or Reproductive Health (RH) Bill, is now being discussed in plenary, and we are in the period of amendments in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It was reported out of the Committee on Population of the House as early as January 2011, but the anti-RH forces forced a very long period of interpellation. This ended only when President Aquino, at a special luncheon in Malacanang on August 6, pleaded with members of the House to vote to end the period of interpellation. With the House agreeing to the presidential request and voting viva voce to end the period of interpellation, we advanced to the period of amendments. The Senate has done likewise. But the process has again been delayed by anti-RH forces, like Senator Tito Sotto and Rep. Roilo Golez of Parañaque, who have been filibustering in an effort to prevent the amendment process from moving forward.

What is the strategy of the anti-RH group?

The anti-RH lobby knows that at the moment the pro-RH forces are likely to be in the majority. So their strategy is to prolong the parliamentary process and bring it as close as possible to the national elections in May 2013. There are two reasons behind this strategy. The first is that they hope some of the pro-RH forces will waver and decide against voting for the bill for fear that the Catholic Church hierarchy will tell their Catholic constituents to vote against them. The bishops are stoking the fear of legislators that though there may not be a significant “Catholic vote,” even if as low as three per cent of the electorate listen to their bishop, this can make the difference in close elections, which is often the case in congressional races. The other reason is that once we get to early October, it will be very difficult to muster quorums to take up legislation since most members of the House will be busy with their electoral campaigns.

What is the Church hierarchy up to?

The Catholic Church hierarchy is vehemently against the bill, and this is the reason the bill was bottled up in congressional committees for 14 years. It is only in the current 15th Congress that the bill has been able to reach the plenary. Despite the ecclesiastical campaign against family planning, surveys have shown that the population, more than 80 per cent of which is Catholic, is overwhelmingly in favor of family planning, including artificial contraception, and against efforts by the Church to interfere with couples’ personal decisions on family planning.

With things coming to a climax, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has stepped up its campaign of lies against the bill. For instance, it is attacking the bill as a measure that would lead to abortion. However, the bill is explicitly against abortion, and, if passed, would actually contribute decisively to reducing the estimated 450,000 abortions that now occur annually by giving people seeking to limit their family size access to contraceptives that would prevent unwanted pregnancies. The hierarchy is also asserting that RH would lead to immoral behavior, and that use of condoms would spread HIV-AIDs. These are just three of the many falsehoods and distortions the bishops have spread against the bill.

In addition to actively coaching the anti-RH legislators, the bishops have been mounting demonstrations “of the faithful,” though these have fallen flat in terms of numbers. They have even taken to lobbying Congress directly. Recently, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa City distributed statues of the Virgin Mary to pro-RH legislators, a move that many congressmen interpreted either as a threat or a bribe. My office returned the statue to Arguelles, as we would a monetary bribe.

How will the pro-RH forces cope with delaying tactics?

The pro-RH forces are not without weapons. We are halting the consideration of all other legislative matters, including privileged speeches, unless the bill moves forward to a vote. We will place the onus for the legislative stalemate on the anti-democratic dilatory moves of the anti-RH minority. Some of us are considering even suspending the consideration of the national budget, but only as a last resort, if the anti-RH lobby does not see the light.

What are the chances of the bill passing?

I estimate that we have about 140 sure votes and another 15-20 leaning our way. There are 285 House members, and of this, I think that the solidly anti-RH forces probably number no more than120. So we are battling for some 30-35 undecided or wavering forces. A majority of senators are for the bill. So it’s not the numbers we fear. It’s the delaying tactics, the move to prevent a vote from being taken at all. In my view, however, procedural derailment will not succeed, and we will be able to bring the bill to a vote before the end of September. I am confident that vote will be one that will uphold responsible parenthood, reproductive rights, reason, science, and the national interest,

*INQUIRER.net columnist Walden Bello represents Akbayan (Citizens’ Action Party) in the House of Representatives and is one of the main authors of the Reproductive Health Bill (House Bill 4244).

People

[Press Release] ‘Mr. President, Tampakan is not fit for mining’ -ATM

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

‘Mr. President, Tampakan is not fit for mining’
Bishops, groups remind P-Noy to reject the Tampakan Mining Project

Manila – Malacañang received on August 14 a letter from two Catholic bishops and other environmental groups urging the President to immediately deny the appeal of the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) for the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for its mining project in Tampakan. Groups reminded the President that Tampakan is not fit for mining.

The letter emphasized that the basis for issuing the ECC is incomplete. The group explained that DENR and its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) still failed to recognize more serious factors in rejecting the project which include significant environmental degradation, loss of water for agriculture and other livelihoods, and the long-term burden it will leave to the community once the mine life in the contract ends.

Alyansa Tigil Mina, one of the organizations who signed in the letter, pointed out that the Tampakan project is like attracting disasters that can be more destructive than what the country is experiencing right now.

“Experts had clarified already that the proposed site for the Tampakan mining project lies above a number of fault lines and the drilling activity of the mine can induce seismic movements. And even without the opinion of the experts, one can clearly see that just kilometers away from the site is Mount Matutum, and we still want to mine the area?” asked Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina.

The groups enumerated in the letter the problems and risks that are inadequately addressed in the environmental study conducted by SMI and Xstrata themselves, which includes the misleading account for almost 4,000 hectares of forest land that will be part of the open-pit mine.

“At this time when we need to plant more trees, restore our forests and build resilient communities, our government should not engage in projects such as the Tampakan mining project that will continue to demolish our mountains, hack our trees and divide our communities,” said Anabelle Plantilla, Chief Operating Officer of Haribon Foundation.

“We should not further destroy our remaining defense against the impacts of climate change,” Plantilla added.

Meanwhile, the social arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines who had been opposing the project expressed disappointment to DENR for not making a firm decision to reject the project.

“How can we engage in business that even just in the beginning of the project had already violated our policies, abused human rights and ignored the rights of the indigenous people?”asked Fr. Edu Garguez, executive secretary of CBCP-NASSA.

“Unless the president wants to leave a horrible legacy to country, he can approve the project but he will be the subject of his own statement in his SONA, forgive and forget. Only this time, we will not give both,” Gariguez added.

—
For more information:
Fr Edu Gariguez, CBCP-NASSA Executive Secretary, 092283448248
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator – 09277617602
Farah Sevilla – policy@alyansatigilmina.net; 0915-3313361
Edel S. Garingan – communications@alyansatigilmina.net; 0922-8918972

ATM Press Release
August 20, 2012

Press Release

[In the news] Catholic Church, anti-RH bill groups gather at Edsa Shrine -INQUIRER.net

Posted on August 4, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Catholic Church, anti-RH bill groups gather at Edsa Shrine.

By Kristine Felisse Mangunay, Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 4, 2012

MANILA, Philippines—Hundreds of people, some arriving in private vehicles and others on foot, gathered outside the Edsa Shrine at a usually suburban Manila intersection Saturday for what church leaders had described as a massive prayer rally to show Congress most Filipinos were against the reproductive health bill pending in legislature for years.

Many of the faithful, who braved intermittent rains and occasional winds, stood under umbrellas as they waited for the rally to get underway.

Bishop Gabriel Reyes, chair of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, was spotted in the area. So was Father Melvin Castro, the commission’s executive secretary.

Read full article @ newsinfo.inquirer.net

In the News

[In the news] RH bill, hindi tungkol sa sex at relihiyon, ayon kay Rep. Lagman -GMANews

Posted on July 28, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

RH bill, hindi tungkol sa sex at relihiyon, ayon kay Rep. Lagman
GMANews
July 28, 2012

Sa harap ng mga prayer vigil na isasagawa ng Simbahang Katoliko laban sa pagpasa ng Reproductive Health (RH) bill, muling iginiit ng isang kongresista ang pangangailangan na maisabatas ang kontrobersiyal na panukala.

Sa isang pahayag nitong Sabado, binigyan-diin ni Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, awtor ng RH bill, na hindi usapin tungkol sa relihiyon o pakikipagtalik ang isinusulong niyang panukalang batas.

“RH (bill) is not about sex and religion, it is about health, human rights and sustainable human development,” paliwanag niya.

Una rito, nanawagan si Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) sa publiko na magsagawa ng mga prayer vigil bago sumapit ang Agosto 7, ang araw na dedesisyunan ng Kamara de Representantes kung itutuloy o pagpapahingahin na ang pagtalakay sa kontrobersiyal na panukala.

Mariing tinututulan ng Simbahan ang naturang panukalang batas na nagsusulong paggamit ng artipisyal na paraan ng pagpaplano ng pamilya o paggamit ng mga contraceptive at iba pa.

Sa ipinalabas na pahayag ni Lagman, umaasa siyang didinggin din sa dasal ang umano’y daing ng kababaihan tungkol sa problema sa kanilang kalusugan, unwanted at teenage pregnancies at laganap na kahirapan na kasama umano sa nais matugunan sa RH bill.

“God will listen to prayers which elevate human life and development, and not to supplications which denigrate people’s quality of life and children’s advancement,” ayon sa kongresista.

Read full article @ www.gmanetwork.com

Bishops call faithful out to fight RH bill (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
Representative Lagman wants RH Bill voted on (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
[People] Indigenous Women on SONA 2012 by Judy A. Pasimio (hronlineph.com)
THE INTELLIGENT CATHOLIC…On RH Bill and Contraceptives (ericpgranada.wordpress.com)
Passing RH bill is our priority, PH tells UN rights body (rightonthemark.wordpress.com)

In the News

[Press Release] Groups welcome P-Noy’s Call for New Mining Law -SOS Yamang Bayan

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Groups welcome P-Noy’s Call for New Mining Law
But assert for a paradigm shift from the Mining Act of 1995

Advocates of a new minerals management law that will replace the flawed Mining Act of 1995 were pleased by the recent pronouncement of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday as he laid out his legislative stand on mining.

In his SONA, President PNoy urged Congress to pass a law that will protect the environment, while reaping just benefits out of mineral extraction not only for this generation but for the next to come.

Fr. Edu Gariguez, Executive Director of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) and also one of the council of leaders of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) said that “This is a good gesture on behalf of the President; it is an acknowledgement that his mining EO (EO79) is not enough. to rationalize mining industry in the country.

EO 79 received negative responses from groups led by CBCP-NASSA, ATM, Philippine Miserior Partnership (PMP), and Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC).

“The question now is what new mining law that the President is pertaining to? He should know that we have been advocating for the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) in Congress “Fr. Edu added.

In the recently concluded CBCP national plenary convention 72 out of the 89 Bishops signed a petition of support urging for the immediate passage of the AMMB.
Champions of the AMMB in Congress also welcomed this development. Ifugao Representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat claimed that “the AMMB is already being deliberated in the Lower House of Congress”.

“While we welcome the President’s pronouncement, we ask him to make this Bill (the AMMB), a priority bill that this Congress should pass before the end of the 15th Congress. On behalf of my colleagues in the lower house championing this bill, we will work with him to make this happen.” asserted Rep. Baguilat.

The AMMB is a consolidated bill of House Bills 206, 3763, 4315 and several minor mining bills and is now authored by 41 Representatives in the congress. A senate version of the consolidated bill was also filed last February 15, 2012 by Sen. Sergio Osmena III.

Gerry Arances, program officer on mining of the Legal Right and Natural Resources Center (LRC) asserted that “AMMB is what our country needs. “A new minerals management laws that will address the issues and concerns that mining-affected communities, indigenous peoples and farmers, have long been raising which includes the devastation of our rich but fragile ecosystems” Arances added .LRC is the lead convener of SOS-Yamang Bayan Network.

“AMMB promotes the rational, needs-based, rights-based and domestic-oriented utilization and management of our mineral resources which is a break from the ‘profit-oriented’ framework pushed by the Mining Act of 1995.” Arances explained.

Ka Ponyong Kadlos, Coordinator of Kapulungan Para Lupang Ninuno (KPLN) and representative of the affected-mining Mangyan communities and indigenous peoples said that “by supporting the AMMB and making it a priority bill, the President and the Congress are making a stand with the people— This upholds the fight of the mining-affected communities, indigenous peoples to protect our environment, and for the present and future generations of our country.”

“For us this is the real essence of their ‘tuwid na daan’ for our mining industry, our communities and environment” Ka Ponyong concludes. KPLN comprises of different Mangyan groups in Mindoro.

***

The SOS-Yamang Bayan Network is a national multi-sectoral movement composed of individual advocates, mining-affected communities, national peoples’ alliances, environmental organizations and networks, church based organizations, national NGOs,human rights organizations,sectoral organizations from the indigenous peoples,youth,women,farmers,Congressional representatives, leaders and personalities advocating for the repeal of of Mining Act of 1995 and the enactment of a new minerals management bill.

For inquiries please contact:

Fr. Edu Gariguez – CBCP-NASSA Executive Secretary, 09198005595
Rep. Teddy Baguilat – 09209108253
Gerry Arances – gerry.arances@lrcksk.org; 09228307758
Ka Ponyong Kadlos – 09207116147
Val de Guzman –val_lrcsosyb@yahoo.com
Farah Sevilla – policy@alyansatigilmina.net; 0915-3313361
Edel Garigan – communications@alyansatigilmina.net; 0922-8918972

Press Release

[Press Release] Mining digs holes on P-Noy’s ‘tuwid na daan’ -ATM

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Mining digs holes on P-Noy’s ‘tuwid na daan’
Groups laud president’s call for environmental protection and fair revenue sharing before mining

President Aquino might have already realized that mining industry is a big challenge on his roadmap for good governance, said Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) reacting on P-Noy’s pronouncement in SONA that mining will not be allowed if it will result to environmental degradation.

“It’s a good indication that the president is recognizing that the current policy on mining has not guaranteed good returns in terms of revenue and economic benefits for the country and the local communities,” said Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of ATM.

ATM with its partner organizations also mentioned that P-Noy’s proposed reforms in the mining industry are already outlined in the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) that is now being heard in the Natural Resources Committee in the House of Representatives and is supported by communities, civil society groups and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

On agricultural lands
In his SONA the president also enumerated his accomplishments in increasing the country’s agricultural productivity and exclaimed goals for exporting rice next year. However, the groups reminded the president that mining is posing threats to this aspiration.

“He should not forget the magnetite mining in MacArthur, Leyte that had caused two consecutive fish kills in Lake Bito this year and had ransacked vast agricultural land in the province,” said Fr. Edu Gariguez, executive secretary of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) and 2012 Goldman Prize Environmental Awardee.

Gariguez challenged the president to be true to his principle of going against the entities oppressing communities, “He should instruct environment secretary Ramon Paje to act quickly and with resolve on the issue against NICUA mining in Leyte that had deprived fisherfolk around Lake Bito of their livelihoods ”

On human rights violation
ATM reminded the president to also not forgive and forget the human rights violations of several mining firms in the country.

“He should bear in his mind that in January 2011, the Commission on Human Rights had recommended to him the revocation of the mining contract for Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI) in Nueva Vizcaya for committing grave violations against human rights of the communities opposing the mining project,” Garganera added.

ATM also lamented that while the president enumerated his accomplishments and targets in eradicating shortages in chairs and classrooms for Filipino students, many children and youth in Mindanao face threat of displacement because of the proposed Tampakan mining project in South Cotabato, and nearby provinces, especially in CARAGA region, known as the mining capital of the Philippines. Meanwhile, Pnoy tallied the improvements in the Armed Forces and the National Police, as civil society groups are also concerned with the increasing trends in extra-judicial killings in the country.

IP-blind
The group also lamented the apparent lack of recognition of indigenous peoples. Making up at least twelve million Filipinos, the IPs represent more than 10% of the population, are the most vulnerable and considered as the poorest among the poor. They are aslo the most threatened sector by mining. And yet, the whole 1-1/2 hours of the SONA failed to mention them, and their daily struggles against mining to protect their ancestral domains.

Ganun na lang ba’ yun?
“We can not just also forgive and forget mining firms that caused unbearable burden to the communities and the country as a whole. Even EO 79 will not solve the problem. Ganun na lang ba ‘yun? Of course not, if we want positive changes in our minerals management, then AMMB has to be passed immediately,” Garganera concluded.

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. 30)

For more information:

Fr Edu Gariguez, CBCP-NASSA Executive Secretary, 09198005595
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator – 09277617602
Farah Sevilla – policy@alyansatigilmina.net; 0915-3313361
Edel S. Garingan – communications@alyansatigilmina.net; 0922-8918972

Press Release

[Press Release] Bishops, legislators join forces to advance new mining bill – SOS-Yamang Bayan

Posted on July 8, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Bishops, legislators join forces to advance new mining bill
A match ‘Made-in-Heaven’ against open-pit mining

Manila – The proposed Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) being pushed by multi-sectoral movement SOS-Yamang Bayan Network will now have a better chance to enactment in the House of Representatives with the backing of the combined forces of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and a number of lawmakers in the country.

Last night, about fifty bishops and two congressmen representing the support of other forty solons from the lower house discussed in a national forum in the Plenary Hall of Pope Pius Catholic Center in UN Avenue, Manila, the strategies they will employ to ensure that AMMB will be passed as the Philippine Minerals Resources Act of 2012.

“We cannot deny how mining has negatively affected the situation of the poor in our country; the farmers, fisher folks, Indigenous People; everyday we are confronted with the reality that it has to be changed,” said CBCP-NASSA National Director, Bp. Broderick Pabillo. “While we are still not sure about the status of the executive order on mining, that policy will only provide short-term resolution to our situation. What we need is a rationalize policy that will have sustainable and positive impact to generations ahead.”

AMMB is now being deliberated by the Technical Working Group of the Natural Resources (NatRes) Committee of the 15th Congress. The AMMB is a consolidated version of House Bills 206, 3763, 4315 and several mining-related minor bills in the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 3126 was also filed in the Senate last February 15, 2012 by Senator Sergio Osmeña III, the AMMB’s senate version.

According to Cong. Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Vice-chairperson of the NatRes Committee, and Chairperson of the Committee on National Cultural Communities or IPs, the proposed mining bill is still being refined but its call for fair revenue sharing, environmental protection and safeguard of human rights including Indigenous People’s rights, will always be the foundation of the revised policy. Cong. Baguilat also noted that more than 50% of the current mining areas in the country straddle on ancestral land domain of the IP communities.

“This bill is about the people, for the people and by the people. We really need more support for this. We are thankful that CBCP is with us in this advocacy,” Baguilat added.

Meanwhile, SOS-Yamang Bayan Network lauds the development in the campaign for the new mining bill and called the partnership together with the thousand strong forces in the mining affected communities as a match “made-in-heaven” against open pit mining.

“This is a positive development towards reorganizing and reorienting the country’s mineral industry. We are happy to see these two strong forces in our society work together and agree on one cause. This only shows the scale of problems caused by mining that almost everybody is alarmed and calling for an urgent resolution,” said Gerry Arances, AMMB Coordinator of Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC-KsK). LRC is the lead convener of SOS-Yamang Bayan Network.

At the same time, Alyansa Tigil Mina National Coordinator Jaybee Garganera said that the forum would ensure that all the people who works for and supports the bill, understand its call and conditions. “Our purpose is to encourage more groups and individuals to pressure the government and concede that the Mining Act of 1995 was a big failure and should be repealed, immediately.”

The SOS-Yamang Bayan Network is a national, multi-sectoral movement composed of individual advocates, mining-affected communities, national peoples’ alliances, environmental organizations and networks, church-based organizations, human rights organizations, national NGOs, sectoral organizations from the indigenous peoples, youth, women, farmers, Congressional representatives, leaders and personalities advocating for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and the enactment of a new minerals management bill. (30)

___
For more information, contact the SOS-Yamang Bayan Network Secretariat:
Gerry Arances – gerry.arances@lrcksk.org; 0922-8307758
Farah Sevilla – policy@alyansatigilmina.net; 0915-3313361
Edel S. Garingan – communications@alyansatigilmina.net; 0922-8918972

SOS-Yamang Bayan Network – Press Release
July 6, 2012

Press Release

[Press Release] Farmers, fisherfolks file petition for Envi Protection Order against mining in MacArthur Leyte -ATM

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Farmers, fisherfolks file petition for Envi Protection Order against mining in MacArthur Leyte

Said ‘water is life, and must be saved at all costs’

MacArthur, Leyte—Farmers and fisher folks in Leyte went to court and filed an application for Temporary Environmental Protection Order (EPO) to stop mining operation of Nicua Corporation inprime agricultural lands of Villa Imelda and adjacent barangays in MacArthur Leyte.

The plaintiffs led by Jesus Cabias, president of Unahin Lagi Natin ang Diyos – Bito Lake Fisherfolks Association (UNLAD-BLFA) and supported by Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), assert their right to a healthy and safe environment against the destructive effects of mining in their farmlands and lake.

“Water is life and must be saved as all costs. Allowing mining to continue here will affect not only our primary source of water and livelihood but also the future generations,” said Cabias.

Two weeks ago, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that contamination from oil and grease from the mining operations is one of the causes of the massive fish kill in Lake Bito.

Fr. Edu Gariguez, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (CBCP-NASSA) added, “Together with the Archdiocese of Palo and Alyansa Tigil Mina, we visited this area and found that the impacts of mining there are terrible and devastating. We call on the national offices to act on this, at the same time we hope that the Regional Trial Court can immediately hear our petition and issue a temporary environmental protection order to stop Nicua mining corporation from operating in the area.”

Cabias added, “Our problem is that the mining operation is encroaching in prime agricultural lands—we are talking about irrigated lands that were not even legally converted for otherPurposes. Their activities threaten our food security, right to clean water, and livelihood.”

The 30-page petition has been filed this morning at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10 in Abuyog, Leyte but is yet to be given a case number by the RTC Judge next week.

Meanwhile, ELAC Lawyer Atty. Ronnan Reposadas is positive that an EPO will be issued against the mining company and that should be implemented immediately. He said, “We have a clear case here—the mining company is situated and directly affecting the agricultural lands and waters, and is a threat to the Bito watershed—and therefore impedes the right to a healthy environment of the communities.”

Environmental Protection Order or Temporary Environmental Protection Order (EPO/TEPO) are injunction orders under the new Environmental Rules of Court that directs or enjoins “any person or government agency to perform or desist from performing an act in order to protect, preserve or rehabilitate the environment.” This gives immediate relief on environmental issues.

“We do not understand why this company was even allowed to mine here—they are converting prime agricultural lands into mine sites that will render the lands useless afterwards,” concluded Garganera.

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The organization is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of Executive Order 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and the passage of the Philippine Mineral Resources Act a.k.a. Alternative Minerals Management Bill.
For more information:

Fr. Edu Gariguez, CBCP-NASSA – (0922) 834-8248 edugariguez@gmail.com
Jesus Cabias, (UNLAD-BLFA) – (0912) 433-7768
Atty. Ronnan Christian Reposar, ELAC – rcmr80@yahoo.com
Jaybee Garganera, Alyansa Tigil Mina – nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Press Release
June 25, 2012

Press Release

[Statement] Statement of the worldwide LGBT civil rights march – Manila

Posted on April 22, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines 2 comments

Statement of the worldwide LGBT civil rights march – Manila

On April 21, 2012 Filipino lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), will join the Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March to DEMAND EQUAL RIGHTS and RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS of ALL PEOPLE Regardless of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)!

Pegged Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March – Manila, the multisectoral event was made possible by LADLAD LGBT party-list, Amnesty International Philippines-LGBT Group (AIP), Lesbian Activism Project (LeAP!), Inc., Filipino Freethinkers (FF), Philippine LGBT Hate Crimes Watch, Queer Pagan Network (QPN), The TLF Share Collective, Rainbow Rights (R-Rights), Project, Inc., Metropolitan Community Church (MCC-QC), UP Alyansa, Outrage, GayGeeks, UP Babaylan, PLHCW and IFTAS with the support from the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) and the Reproductive Health Alliance Network (RHAN) other advocacy groups and allies from the women’s and human rights’ community.

In the Philippines, simultaneous Civil Rights Marches will be held in Isabela, Cebu City, Bacolod City and in Quezon City, Manila. In Manila, the event will be in Quezon City Memorial Circle from 9:00am to 12:00 noon where everyone will march around the memorial circle and gather at the Peace Bell inside the park to collectively celebrate the gains achieved by LGBT groups in the Philippines in pushing forward LGBT rights in mainstream society and to re-affirm our commitment to continue the fight for equal rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).

The Philippines LGBT Civil Rights March is a call to action to:
 Remind us of the need to address the grave human rights violations against LGBT Filipinos; that victims of these violations must be given justice and that perpetrators must be arrested and punished.

 Respect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all people regardless of SOGI by the passage of the Reproductive Health bill – House Bill 4244 and Senate bill 2865.

 Safeguard the retention of SOGI provisions of Senate Bill 2814. The bill, “the Anti-Ethnic, Racial or Religious Discrimination and Profiling Act,” which aims to penalize all forms of discrimination, has passed third reading in the Senate and is close to being finalized in Congress. The LGBT community is gravely concerned that anti-LGBT forces led by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will succeed in removing the SOGI provisions of SB 2814.

 Demand the inclusion of SOGI in the ASEAN Declaration of Human Rights, which is being finalized and will be presented in the ASEAN Plus Summit in November 2012 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

It is hoped that the April 21 Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March will impress upon our legislators the urgent need to pass the anti-discrimination law to include the protection of LGBT rights. This will be helped greatly by a large show of numbers of the LGBT community and its supporters this coming Saturday. It is time to make a stand for the civil and political rights if LGBT persons in the Philippines so April 21, 2012 will be a celebration of LGBT rights and a testament to our continued fight for equal rights.
————————-
The Worldwide LGBT Civil Rights March is part of the international movement called “Let’s Reach 1 Million People Campaign… It’s a start!” for equal rights for LGBT people, to build upon the growing momentum around the world in support of equal civil rights for all LGBT. This grassroots movement will unite various LGBT activists, organizations, and all other allies on April 21, 2012 in a historic event that will project to the worldwide community the LGBT demand for FULL CIVIL RIGHTS NOW. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GqSfwQ2cXY&feature=youtu.be, http://www.letsreachonemillionpeople.com/home_10.html

Contact persons: Marlon Lacsamana: mtlacsamana@gmail.com, Raymond Alikpala: alikpala@yahoo.com, Ira Briones: ira.briones@gmail.com

Gay Rights Are Human Rights: Advancing LGBT Protections At The UN (iglhrc.wordpress.com)
Christianity does not sit in opposition to progressive equality legislation | Maria Exall (guardian.co.uk)
Equality Forum Religious Colloquy to Explore LGBT Catholic Activism (queeringthechurch.com)
Latino GLBT History Project Honors César Chávez (bilerico.com)
Tory MEPs vote for gender identity to be on list of mental and behavioural disorders (leftfootforward.org)
Russia Rejects G8 Endorsement of LGBT Rights (towleroad.com)
[Press Release] IGLHRC Website Banned – Indonesia Labels LGBT Rights Advocacy Site Pornographic (hronlineph.com)
Big Step Forward For MSNBC’s Coverage of LGBT Rights, But… (bilerico.com)
Ben Jealous: LGBT and Civil Rights Groups Must Work Together (theroot.com)
Liberian LGBT Rights Under Spotlight (npr.org)
“Securing a Safe Place for All Liberians” (iglhrc.wordpress.com)
U.N. Secretary-General Defends LGBT Rights In Africa (thinkprogress.org)

Statement

[In the news] 4 Mindanao bishops nix lifting of open-pit mining ban in South Cotabato -MindaNews

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

MindaNews » 4 Mindanao bishops nix lifting of open-pit mining ban in South Cotabato.

By Bong Montesa
April 4, 2012

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/03 April) – Four senior Catholic prelates in Mindanao have joined hands to shoot down moves to lift the open-bit mining ban in South Cotabato, an imposition that threatens the massive Tampakan copper-gold project.

Cotabato Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Bishop Dinualdo D. Gutierrez of the Diocese of Marbel, Bishop Guillermo Afable of the Diocese of Digos and Bishop Romulo dela Cruz of the Diocese of Kidapawan have petitioned the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato to refrain from amending the open pit mining ban contained in its environment code.

The ban on open-pit mining was seen as an obstacle to the plans of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. to commercially develop the Tampakan project, which has an estimated capital requirement of $5.9 billion.

In June 2010, then governor and now Second District Rep. Daisy Avance Fuentes approved the environment code that bans open pit mining in the province. Pro-mining groups eventually asked the SP to reconsider the ban on open pit mining so that Sagittarius Mines could proceed without a hitch.

The bishops recently filed their petition to the SP with the attached signatures of about 30,000 residents from the four dioceses to maintain the prohibition on open-pit mining.

“We are determined to protect and promote the integrity of God’s creation by not allowing the senseless destruction of 1,087 flora and 289 fauna many of which are endemic to Mindanao,” the bishops said in the resolution.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

In the News

[Press Release] IP solon notes rejection of mining at local level

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

IP solon notes rejection of mining at local level

Photo source: kayanatin.org

“We’re seeing a wave of local ordinances declaring their corresponding jurisdictions as mining-free zones and asserting moratoriums on open pit mining, which can only mean that at the local level, people are rejecting mining.”

Thus remarked Cong. Teddy Brawner Baguilat (Lone District, Ifugao) at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Forum last Tuesday at Intramuros, Manila.

Baguilat observed that Davao City, Capiz, Zamboanga Sur, Romblon, Nueva Vizcaya, and a number of other local governments, are passing ordinances banning mining in their territories.

“Some Congressmen are even passing resolutions calling a stop to mining in their districts or provinces,” Baguilat added.

Baguilat said that these measures indicated that people are disappointed with the effect of mining in their lives and livelihood.

“I have yet to encounter a mining project that has clearly benefited the host community,” Baguilat said.

“Thus far, what we are hearing about are environmental damage like polluted water systems and cave-ins, and tension or conflict in indigenous communities affected by mining interests,” Baguilat added.

Baguilat’s statements come at the heels of fresh debates on the viability of mining, and at a time when Malacanang is pondering an Executive Order that will reportedly provide the master plan for mining industries in the country.

“What we need is a new framework for mining that departs from the antiquated Mining Act of 1995,” Baguilat proposed.

Such a framework, according to Baguilat, is provided by the proposed Mineral Resources Act or the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

“This proposed law seeks to regulate the rational exploration, development and use of mineral resources, and ensure equitable sharing of benefits among the government, indigenous peoples and local communities,” Baguilat explained.

“This framework departs from earlier mining laws and policies that focused on extracting minerals without looking after the impact of those activities on communities and the environment,” Baguilat added.

Baguilat thus hoped that there would be sufficient support to pass the proposed Mineral Resources Act. ##

For further information, please contact the Office of Rep. Teddy Baguilat at 931-5106 or at email address teddy.ifugaocongress@gmail.com.

Press Release

[In the news] National Youth Commission calls for transparency in tuition hikes -GMA News

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

National Youth Commission calls for transparency in tuition hikes
March 3, 2012

Schools and universities should be transparent and disclose the tuition and other fees they will charge for the coming school year, the National Youth Commission said.

NYC Chairman Leon Flores III made the call amid reports some schools are applying for tuition increases with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“We don’t want to go over with what happened last year when dubious fees (arose) to gain kickbacks from students,” Flores said, according to an article on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news site.

Read full article @ www.gmanetwork.com

In the News

[Press Release] Groups hit Intex Resources response to OECD NCP Statement -ATM

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Groups hit Intex Resources response to OECD NCP Statement
Charged Intex of flawed consultation and non-transparency

Manila—Groups were dismayed upon Intex Resources Inc denial of proven allegations and findings of the Norwegian National Contact Point (NCP) that the company has failed to comply with OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises.

“That is simply ridiculous that Intex would even claim the support of the people of Mindoro when we know that it was the people themselves who fought the struggle and opposed their mining project. We believe that the years of investigation have allowed the Norwegian NCP to validate their findings,” said Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Ayansa Tigil Mina.

Fr. Edu Gariguez, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action said that the church and people of Mindoro remained strong on its call to impede the project, “Obviously, Intex have closed ears on the result of NCP investigation and will continue to deceive even their own selves that the Mangyan communities in Mindoro will succumb to all their plans. We will keep on raising our voices that we do not want them to commence with this project, in fact they should have stopped already even before the revocation of their ECC.”

“If Intex will not recognize NCP’s investigation, P-Noy however should listen to the voice of its people and uphold their rights to protect their environment and respect their decision to forbid mining in their own land,” Fr. Edu added.

After the release of the Final Statement, Intex Resources entered into a memorandum of agreement with Chinese state-owned firm MCC8 but communities vow to fight against mining, whether they be Norwegian or Chinese, the people will never concede to development aggressions that will put their island and lives at risk.

“Intex should listen to what people want, they are the rightful owner of the land!” said Jon Sarmiento of Alyansa Laban sa Mina (ALAMIN).

“Intex has not received social acceptability from the people of Mindoro including the majority of the Indigenous Peoples community in the island. This is more than just a political reason as they say Intex should respect the regulations governing the utilization of its Ancestral Domains,” added Sarmiento

At the international level, campaigners issued a statement reiterating, “The national investigation revealed additional irregularities in Intex’s operations to those already identified by the NCP and recommended cancellation of its Environmental Clearance Certification on a series of technical grounds. It also raises issues with the lack of consent of the indigenous peoples and the fact that an Island wide moratorium on mining is in place rendering Intex’s project illegal unless declared otherwise by the Philippine judiciary.”

In January 23, ATM, CBCP-NASSA and ALAMIN launched a compendium of studies on the Mindoro struggle entitled “Mindoro Campaign: Protecting Island Ecology, Defending Peoples Rights”.

Alyansa Laban sa Mina (ALAMIN) is a network of civil society organizations, Church and local government units in Oriental Mindoro established in 1999 to consolidate peoples opposition to the Mindoro Nickel Project.

__
For more information:

Fr Edu Gariguez, CBCP-NASSA Executive Secretary, (0919) 800.55.95 <edugariguez@gmail.com>
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, (0927) 761.76.02 <nc@alyansatigilmina.net>
Farah Sevilla, ATM Policy Research & Advocacy Officer, (0915) 331.33.61 <policy@alyansatigilmina.net>

Press Release

[In the news] CBCP seeks review of laws on mining, logging -GMA News

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

CBCP seeks review of laws on mining, logging
GMA News
February 4, 2012

Stressing the need to protect the environment, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines urged the government to review its policies on mining and logging.

The CBCP said these policies must be fine-tuned to prevent a repeat of environment-related tragedies that occurred in the last several weeks.

“We take the occasion to make an appeal particularly to the authorities concerned that our prayer and appeal is to make a serious revisit of many of our laws like our logging laws and practices as well as mining laws and development plans,” said CBCP president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, in an article posted on the CBCP news site.

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