http://www.philippineminingonline.com/mar-30-2017-gina-lopez-may-...

http://www.philippineminingonline.com/mar-30-2017-gina-lopez-may-have-violated-mining-act/

MANILA, Philippines -  Embattled Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has ordered suspended mining companies to put up non-government organizations (NGOs) for the rehabilitation of affected areas – an apparent violation of the 1995 Mining Act.

Lopez issued a memorandum dated Jan. 30, 2017 to Mines and Geosciences Bureau director Mario Luis Jacinto in response to the request of some mining contractors to be allowed to remove their nickel stockpiles to prevent damage to the environment.
Those who oppose Lopez’s appointment as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) pointed out that the order is separate from the existing rehabilitation trust fund set up by the government as required under Article 71 of Republic Act 7942 and DENR Administrative Order 2010-10.
Some mining firms have questioned the memo for being redundant and burdensome, since most of them mine large tracts of land.
Suspended mining firms are also required to deposit P1 million to the fund for every vessel of ore shipped out, which is not a requirement before a mineral ore export permit (MOEP) is granted, sources said.
The mining firms who followed the DENR on the trust fund were likewise subject to the guidelines set by Lopez, including the setting up of an NGO, its members, recipients of the trust fund and the drafting of all company documents.