pingoy comments

Comments from this morning's local rag:

Unfortunately no mention in the article about the EIS or review of the ban.

For holders this local ordinance to ban open-cut mining really doesn't want to end up in court, although both governments might just let it go that way, (especially Manila, as there are a number of conflicting ordinances around the country to test). If Sth Cotabato remain stubborn, getting it to court is perhaps Noy Noy's only option anyway, and at least then he can say he's doing something. Then he can step back saying let the courts decide and not him. Consequently he's not risking too much in the popularity stakes.

When the Act came in 1995 and Western Mining received the first FTAA, it took until 2005 for the Supreme Court to decide that the Act was constitutional in allowing foreign ownership of national resources.

SMI really need to keep this out of court and get all the Sth Cotabato councillors onside. Even if the Act is enforced against Sth Cotabato's will, there are so many provincial approvals relating to transport (truck movements) and infrastructure (access) that Sth Cotabato can fail to provide.

Hopefully some more constructive news regarding the EIS and internal review of the open-cut ban is forth-coming, but for today - here's the article:


http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2011/07/05/guv-proud-keeping-ban-open-pit-mining-165001