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[av_heading heading=’Duterte tells miners: Just follow the rules’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte met with local mining operators to remind them of responsible mining practices.
Environment secretary Roy Cimatu and Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go joined the Aug. 3 meeting.
“The President essentially said that, as long as mining groups, whether big or small, follow the rules on mining and keep environmental laws in mind, there would be no problem and they can continue with their operations,” said Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra.
At the Mindanao Hour briefing in Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on Aug. 4, Guevarra said he was “not privy” to any new mining policy.
Duterte only reiterated strict adherence to mining laws, according to the official.
In his second State of the Nation Address, the President emphasized the destructive effects of irresponsible mining.
“I am warning all mining operations and contractors to refrain from the unbridled and irresponsible destruction of our watersheds, forests and aquatic resources,” he said.
Mining companies who continue to exploit natural resources will be taxed “to death,” the chief executive then warned.
“I will raise the taxes to compensate for those who are suffering,” Duterte said. “You have to come up with a substitute – spend to restore the virginity of their source or I will tax you to death.”/PN
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