the church & the open pit ban, page-27

This blog from a social commentator in Manila is long, but it helps explain the dilemma for foreigners investing in the Philippines with respect to inconsistent and contradictory application of law(s).

Bounce to the last third of the the article discussing mining and Tampakan, and the conflicts between local and inclusive decision-making versus the national development agenda.

The author suggests a national debate to untangle the mess. Hmmm. He's probably right - not much more can be done. For Tampakan it is up to SMI to get all the opponents in decision making positions onside themselves. IMO, leaving it up to Manila to enforce their agenda (as was widely suggested on this forum, and by media, and IRN themselves) is perhaps not the best way to go. And an argument with local officials where they have enacted decisions against the national interest is a lot bigger and widespread than just Tampakan.


http://ssalonga.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/a-conflict-of-interests-a-challenge-to-national-debate/