Lopez condemns lifting of open-pit mining ban

“I am against open pit mining. Government should explain proposed lifting of current ban,” former Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez said during a press conference on Monday.

Lopez emphasized the proposal to lift the open-pit mining ban in the Philippines.

“A mining concession is a privilege, not a right. Mining is a privilege given on certain conditions,” she said.

She also told mining companies that there were conditions affiliated with the privilege to do the said activity.

“There are many other ways to use our resources that contribute to social justice. Mining isn’t one of them,” Lopez added.

Moreover, Lopez said she wants to talk with President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the said issue.

“I want to meet the President because I know he’s mabait and he would listen,” she said.

“Tama na. We’ve already suffered a lot, so stop doing this. This is why I’m doing this… This is a violation of the Constitutional rights of the Filipino people,” Lopez stressed.

Last Friday, Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin earlier said that the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) asked DENR to consider lifting the ban which Lopez executed when she was still the Environment Secretary. | Angelica Bobiles – PTV

Popular

PBBM vows sustained recovery efforts in Cebu after deadly quake

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured Cebuanos that the government will continue to provide assistance in Cebu as it reels...

PBBM to soldiers: Serve the citizenry, protect the homeland

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet “Panata ito ng katapatan sa tungkulin at paninindigan para sa bayan.” At the oath-taking ceremony of 29 newly promoted generals and flag...

Gov’t assures prompt aid to Cebu quake victims

By Brian Campued Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide immediate relief to families and individuals affected by the magnitude 6.9...

PBBM assures sustained gov’t support to calamity-hit Masbate

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the public that the government will continue to provide various forms of assistance to...