decision tuesday

Reyes: RP welfare uppermost in ruling

First posted 08:54am (Mla time) June 11, 2006
By Norman Bordadora
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on page A5 of the June 11, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


ENVIRONMENT Secretary Angelo Reyes yesterday said the country’s welfare would be considered when the Department on Environment and Natural Resources decides whether or not to allow Lafayette Mining Corp. in Rapu-Rapu, Albay.

Reyes, who said the DENR would reveal its decision on Tuesday, said the fate of Lafayette’s mining operations would not only be based on the technical and environmental studies submitted by the various stakeholders, including the Bastes Commission.

“The issue here is not just whether we will allow the Rapu-Rapu project to reopen or not based on technical and environmental considerations but we must also ensure that when we make a decision, the welfare of the Filipino people is taken into utmost consideration,” Reyes said.

One of the Arroyo administration’s main thrusts is the revitalization of the mining industry which is seen as a huge potential source of revenue to fuel the country’s economic recovery.

The government, however, is also promoting
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responsible and sustainable mining operations to protect the country’s resources and the environment.

“We have studied all the issues relative to the incidents and the mining operation, as well as the government response in terms of enforcing the rules and monitoring the project,” Reyes said.

Reyes earlier said that the fate of Lafayette following the DENR study would send a strong signal about the government’s policies to the entire mining industry and the environmental protection groups.

“We deeply appreciate the efforts of the (Bastes) Commission because they provided us with critical inputs that would help us form our decision,” he said.

President Macapagal-Arroyo had formed a commission chaired by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes to look into the Rapu-Rapu mine spill incident.

The commission recommended a stop to Lafayette’s operations in the area following the mine tailings spill that contaminated water bodies in the area.