looks good

Palace respects bishop's call but won't ban mining outright
05/22 4:22:21 PM

Malacañang Monday ruled outright a blanket ban on mining operations in the country and the review of the Mining Act of 1995 as recommended by the Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission (RRFFC) led by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes.

In a statement, Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said, "We respect the views of the good bishop and we share his concerns over the environment. However, we must deal with investors with fairness and reason lest we lose the confidence of a sector that is expected to bring in good-paying jobs for our people and the development of our communities." "All in all, the record of mining investments in the Philippines has been constructive and mutually rewarding. If there are operational flaws that have to be rectified and wrongs to be set right, then by all means the government shall enforce the law to protect the public interest," Bunye said.

Bishop Bastes had earlier said that he would write a "strongly-worded" letter to President Gloria Arroyo if she ignores the panel’s recommendation to stop mining on the island.

Aside from calling a blanket ban on mining operations, the RRFFC recommended the total closure of the Lafayette Philippines mining firm for polluting the seas around Rapu-Rapu island.