Ifugao solon pushes alternative mining law

By Aiza Liza P. Namingit

LAGAWE- Ifugao – Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat has called for urgent passage of an alternative mining law to correct the flaws in the Mining Act of 1995.

“While the latest EO on mining seeks to implement reforms, it will not be enough because it is still based on the flawed Mining Act of 1995,” said Baguilat.

But Baguilat, who chairs the House committee on national cultural communities, welcomed the ban on mining in agricultural lands, critical watersheds and ecotourism sites such as the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

"The ban on mining in agricultural lands, protected areas including those under the National Integrated Protected Areas (NIPAS), and ecotourism sites and geo-hazard areas, should mean automatic cancellation of all pending applications in most areas of Ifugao as well as in other identified critical areas," Baguilat added.

He cautions though on the “One-stop shop” processing of future mining applications, saying affected communities, especially indigenous peoples, should be more vigilant.

Baguilat said does not see any conflict between national and local laws on the matter, because national laws already recognize that in dealing with the use of natural resources, local stakeholders’ consent is a prerequisite.

“In fact, the Local Government Code, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and even the 1995 Mining Act all state that no mining can happen without the consent of the local communities in the affected area,” Baguilat said.

Baguilat said he would ask Malacanang to endorse the Alternative Mining Bill or proposed Minerals Management Act which rectifies flaws of the 1995 law.

The alternative mining bill sponsored by Baguilat in the Lower House increases liability and accountability of mining firms in case of environmental disasters and institutionalizes the ban on mining in areas mentioned in the EO, among other provisions.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) endorsed at the CMN Forum the alternative mining bill. Around 72 Bishops vouched their support for the proposed law. #