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BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
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Friday, October 27, 2017
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A FEW days ago, some miners were so happy. The Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) decided to recommend the lifting of the ban on open-pit mine in the country.
However, the miners are also hoping that the government will move to finally resolve the issues surrounding Executive Order 79 (EO 79) which bans the entry of new mining projects.
For us to fully understand the issue, let us discuss the features and purpose of the said EO.
The EO sets the policy framework that guides government and other stakeholders in the implementation and operationalization of mining laws, rules and regulations. It also provides concrete steps and solutions to major issues and concerns of the mining sector.
It sets the direction and lays the foundation for the implementation of responsible mining policies.
Lastly, it aims to improve environmental mining standards and increase revenues to promote sustainable economic development and social growth, both at the national and local levels.
The said EO allows the continuance of existing mining operations, but the government will suspend the granting of new mineral agreements until existing mining laws are amended. These amendments allow for the rationalization of existing revenue-and-benefit-sharing schemes and incentives given to mining companies to ensure that the country benefits from the rich mineral resources in its territory.
The effect of these revenues will be maintained since the EO allows existing mines and operations to continue. These existing mining operations, prior to the effectivity of the EO, will not be affected provided they comply with existing laws and mining policies.
This has a great affect to the government because it will have additional revenues for funding various social services, education and health. Most of all, it will lessen the impact of mining on the health of the people as well as on the environment.
Actually, the EO has many benefits especially for the miners as provided under Sections 5 to 8.
Regarding the concern of the miners on the ban of open-pit mining, I believe it could wait. It will take a year or less to improve the regulation regarding it and to discuss on how the produced revenues may be shared.
No need to fuss too much over the 1987 Philippine Constitution; it gives the state the duty to explore, develop, and utilize the country’s mineral resources.
(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
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