PHNO-HL: AQUINO READIES TO SIGN EXECUTIVE ORDER ON MINING

AQUINO READIES TO SIGN EXECUTIVE ORDER ON
MINING

[PHOTO - Surigao City,
and Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands Provinces,
IMAGES ON THIS PAGE MAY BE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT]

MANILA,
JUNE 22, 2012 (STANDARD) by Joyce Pangco Panares - PRESIDENT
Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday said a few issues must be resolved before he
signed within the week an executive order regulating the small-scale mining of
gold, silver, chromite and other minerals in the countryside.
He said officials were still discussing contentious issues such as the
revenue sharing between the local and national governments, the amount of taxes
to be levied, and the need to impose stringent measures under the "Minahan ng
Bayan" program.
"Right now, the total taxes will not reach 10 percent of the total revenues
of mining firms. The basis to impose higher fees and royalties is still being
fleshed out," Mr. Aquino told reporters.
The Philippines is rich in minerals including copper, nickel, zinc, silver
and gold. But concerns have been raised over mining's harmful effects on the
environment and the crude practices of small-scale miners.
Mining companies have been waiting for months for Malacañang to issue the
executive order because of its huge impact on the industry. Some areas that
thrive on eco-tourism oppose mining because of its perceived ill-effects on the
environment.
Mr. Aquino said the executive order that he would sign not later than Friday
included a provision banning mining operations in 78 eco-tourisms areas in the
country, including beaches and mountain resorts.
Anticipating the release of the executive order, Senator Edgardo Angara,
chairman of the Senate committee on science and technology, called on state
colleges and universities to help promote responsible mining by formulating an
intensive public information program.
Angara said experts from the academe could help draft the guidelines on
responsible mining that could lead to effective provisions in local and national
mining regulations.
"Mining presents a huge potential for economic growth and development,"
Angara said.
"According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the country
stands to gain more economic benefit from mining by focusing on value-addition,
particularly in terms of downstream processing and manufacturing activities."
With Macon R. Araneta


Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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