South Cotabato Gov vows to review the environment code

SOLIDARITY MART Members of anti-mining and religious groups join a solidarity marche in Koronadal City Thursday to protest the lifting the ban on open pit mining in South Cotabato. BONG S. SAMIENTO

KORONADAL CITY Angered by the lifting in South Cotabato of the ban on open-pit mining, around 3,000 residents from this city and the surrounding towns marched to the provincial capitol to demand that the governor veto the measure.

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. addressed the crowd, which included youth groups and the elderly, and announced the creation a technical working group (TWG), to examine the recent provincial board decision to amend the province’s environment code.

After a closed-door meeting with Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas, Tamayo announced that today, a TWG was being created to study the amendments made to our environment code by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Tamayo reported that his office hadn’t received an official copy the amended environment code as of Thursday noon. He could either veto it, or allow it to lapse into law by signing it no later than 15 days after receipt.

He stated that he would make his decision based on the TWG’s recommendations, while also taking into consideration what is right. [what is]For the greater welfare of the people.

CONCERNS Antimining activists gather in front of the South Cotabato provincial capital in Koronadal City, to voice their concerns regarding the impacts of mining activities on the province’s water supply. BONG S. SAMIENTO

Voice of the people

The governor stated that he would first discuss the TWG’s recommendations with both anti- and promining organizations before making a decision. Casicas expressed their appreciation for Tamayo’s decision and said that they felt the governor showed sincerity at their meeting.

But in the end, we hope he will decide based on the wisdom of the people … The most powerful voice is not of the governors but the voice of the people, the prelate said at a press conference.

Casicas stated that Tamayo informed them during their meeting that the amended code of the environment had already reached his office, but that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan had recalled it for certain reasons.

Noel Ben, Notre Dame of Marbel University’s director for legal assistance and community extension services, stated that the amendments to the environment code will not be finalized until the governor takes action within the time limit or 15 days following receipt of the measure by his offices.

According to Ben, who assists the Diocese of Marbel with legal matters, the passage of the amended environmental code is still at their (Sangguniang Panlalawigan).

Casicas stated they hoped that the provincial board would no more transmit a copy to the Office of Governor because of the outrage from different sectors.

Unmoved

Hilario de Pedro VI, a Board Member, was the main author of the proposal for lifting the ban on open-pit mines in the province. He appeared unmoved at the public backlash caused by the board’s decision.

You have voiced your dismay, outrage, dismay, and outright condemnation at our decision as a collegial organization. You have the right. However, you also have the right not to be silenced.

De Pedro claimed that the 1987 Constitution was infringed by the environment code.

However, Judge Vicente Pea (acting presiding judge) of Regional Trial Court 11th Judicial Region Branch24 here stated in a 31 page decision that codes Section 22(b), which bans open pit mining in South Cotabato, is legal and consistent with Department Administrative Order No. 2017-10, the Local Government Code of the Philippines.

Gina Lopez, the former Environment Secretary, issued DAO 2017-10, which prohibited open-pit mining for copper, gold and other complex ores in the country.

Strenuous monitoring

The ban was lifted effectively, removing the obstacle that had stalled the $5.9 billion Tampakan project. This is Southeast Asia’s largest untapped copper-and-gold minefield. Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) has been pursuing it.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), however, has pledged to ensure that the Tampakan copper/gold project is monitored closely for compliance with its environmental protection and rehabilitation obligations once it reopens.

The environment will not have to be sacrificed. We will ensure that the soon to be completed Tampakan copper-gold mine will be in compliance with all applicable mining and environmental laws.

He stated that SMI would have to invest in equipment as well as manpower in order to mitigate any adverse impacts of the mining operation.

Wilfredo Moncano, Director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau, stated that SMI had met all requirements necessary to support the mining operation.

According to the DENR, the MGB will establish a multipartite monitoring group that will oversee quarterly environmental monitoring and audits of mining companies’ operations in order to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

It will also convene The Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee, which will oversee the management of the funds for SMIs environment protection and enhancement program and progressive rehabilitation.

According to the DENR the committee would likely consist of representatives and personnel from the DENR and its regional offices, community representatives, non-government organizations, local governments, and permit holders or contractors.

Chamber of Mines of the Philippines stated earlier that the South Cotabato province board’s decision to lift the ban on open-pit mining would help revive the mining industry and aid in the countrys economic recovery, more than two years after the outbreak of coronavirus which disrupted all economic activity around the globe. FRANCES MANGOSING REPORT

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