The President has maintained his tough stance against businesses that are violating government standards and damaging the environment. He put particular emphasis on mining companies, saying that mining threatens agriculture, tourism, and other economic activities. He said it must be regulated since it could affect food and water security and eco-tourism.
“If you refuse to obey, I will place you inside the mining pit and cover it,” Duterte warned.
Duterte claimed that the country could survive without mining companies. Non-government organization Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) agreed with the president and welcomed the administration’s willingness to forego P40 billion worth of annual mining investments if needed.
ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera said there is statistical data that shows that mining is not a significant contributor to the economy. Garganera said the mining industry only accounts for less than one percent of the country’s gross domestic product and 0.04 percent of the total jobs in the country.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) in response said it took the warning as a challenge. COMP said it will step up its efforts to comply with government mining standards and adhere to the tenets of responsible mining.
The Chamber promised to abide by the law and supports the President’s effort to weed out irresponsible miners.
