President Aquino OKs Executive Order on mining

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has issued a new executive order aimed to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws on mining.

Under the EO, the government has six months to develop “a national program and road-map, based on the Philippine Development Plan and a National Industrialization Plan, for the development of value-adding activities and downstream industries for strategic metallic ores.”
In the Executive Order No.79 released by Malacanang on Monday, the Department of Environment and National Resources “shall ensure that environmental standards in mining, as prescribed by the various mining and environmental laws, rules, and regulations, shall be fully and strictly enforced, and appropriate sanctions meted out against violators thereof.”
The order also identifies areas where mining will not be allowed such as areas under the National Tourism Development Plan, critical areas and island eco-systems, as well as agricultural and fisheries development zones.
According to a briefer from the office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., no new permits will be granted for mining in Palawan.
“The ecological uniqueness of Palawan’s flora and fauna and the need to protect the same is recognized,” the Office of the Executive Secretary said.
Although existing mining operations will be allowed to continue, Congress must pass a law “rationalizing existing revenue sharing schemes and mechanisms” before any new mining agreement is granted, the EO said.
“The DENR may continue to grant and issue Exploration Permits under existing laws, rules, and guidelines. The grantees of such permits shall have the rights under the said laws, rules, and guidelines over the approved exploration area,” the EO said.
Grantees of the permits will also have the first option to develop the site as soon as Congress passes a law for revenue sharing.

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