thoughts on the ecc

Taking this quote:

“We (SMI) believe this decision (not to grant the ECC) sets a precedent that contradicts the publicly stated views of the Aquino Administration - namely that national laws which permit open-pit mining methods should have precedence over conflicting provincial ordinances."

from this article:

http://business.inquirer.net/39633/5-9-b-mine-project-fails-to-get-ecc



Although there are numerous instances where local laws prevent the implementation of national mining laws, I do agree with SMI that there is a precedence here (at least for mining). Not even this cynical commentator saw the possibility of the failure to grant the ECC - which should have been just a formality, albeit of little use in deciding the bigger issue of legality of open cut mining in Sth Cot.

IMO, it is a slap in the face from Aquino within which lies the perceptions of ambiguity and waning support at the national level. With the pending mining policy being formulated in the background, I am predicting a more definitive segmentation of the country into mining friendly areas, and not so friendly, and a greater level of repatriation of revenue to government coffers. I don't anticipate any clauses to directly place irrefutable over-riding authority with the national government.

I feel sorry for SMI to have their EIS treated with such disregard at this initial stage. It would have cost a fortune, taken a lot of effort, absorbed a lot of expertise and consultation, and a lot of people would have pride placed within its contents. However those with rose coloured crystal balls can consider it as just a minor delay in granting, and another hurdle in the path of many.