Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu clarified on Wednesday that mining companies which are not paying fine for environmental damages will be called suspension and termination.
“Yes, that’s why this is really a very… Most of those who were suspended — these were suspended or closed, part of the suspension is caused by non-compliance of regulations,” Cimatu stated on Malacañang Press Briefing on Thursday.
DENR will be strict on implementing the rehabilitation program that will lead to suspension or termination of non-compliant companies.
“And in the event that the suspension will be lifted or shall be lifted or they will eventually be closed — those will be lifted, we’ll be really very strict in the implementation of this — of their responsibility on the community, responsibility to rehabilitate the scars that they did to the Earth. That is their responsibility, part of their rehabilitation program, it is still their responsibility,” Cimatu added.
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“Two percent excise tax. And out of this, several percent go to the province where the mining company goes and the other half goes to the national government,” Environment Secretary said.
Amount is intended for rehabilitation and protection of mining affected communities, according to Cimatu.
“And in the amount that is given to the government, there is an amount intended for rehabilitation and protection as far as the effects of the mining is concerned. They are also giving something for the community. The mining community by itself provides also some assistance to the community, aside from the taxes being paid to the government.”
Cimatu also clarified that under the present administration, mining companies have not yet been fined for the environmental damages since they are still suspended.
“Wala pa ho kasi suspended kasi sila pero ‘yung mga hindi suspended naman, they are complying. They are compliant,” Cimatu clarified.
“‘Yung mga suspended ay hindi pa lumalabas kasi ‘yung decision on the punishment, penalty eh. Unless ‘yung sabi ko, by the end of the year siguro, ‘pag labas na ‘yung mga decisions, doon na mape-penalize.” | (Angelica Bobiles – PTV)
