ECON 211B, reaction paper, MWF, 8:45- 9:45

 Philippine mining laws, policies not clear and strong enough, says expert

 source:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/135251/philippine-mining-laws-policies-not-clear-and-strong-enough-says-expert

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—An international environmental expert said mining companies get away with environmentally destructive practices in the Philippines because the country’s laws and policies on mining are not clear or strong enough.

Clive Montgomery Wicks, vice chair of the commission on environmental, economic and social policy of the Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), pointed to the conduct of environmental impact statement, or EIS, as one example of how mining companies can go around the law.

IUCN claims to be the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network, with more than 1,000 governmental  and non-governmental member organizations, and almost 11,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries, including the Philippines.

Speaking at a mining forum organized by non-governmental organizations here on Thursday, Wicks said that in the Philippines, an environmental compliance certificate, or ECC,  is issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the basis of an EIS prepared by a company.

But studies have shown that mining companies do not identify the possible ill effects or dangers posed by mining operations in their EIS.

“In Philippine mining, most of the mining companies are not identifying the dangers or impact in the required Environmental Impact Statement as well as remedies to cushion the impact of said dangers,” he said.

Wicks said this is not the case with respect to international standards, which require mining companies to identify dangers or impacts on the environment posed by their operations and to identify contingency or remedial measures the are to undertake, in what is called an environmental social impact assessment, or ESIA.

He said to correct the weakness in the law, the government should put in place a structure or one body that would specifically look into mining and strictly enforce responsible mining policies to avoid the bad impact of mining on the environment and people.

Elisea Gozun, presidential assistant for climate change, said at the same forum that the government will be announcing new mining policies in line with its economic development framework for sustainable development.

She said Malacañang has commissioned a study group, which included herself, to work on the new mining policies.

“The study result and the recommendation is not yet in full, and I could not yet divulge our recommendations, but rest assured it is in line with the economic development program of the country,” Gozun said.

She admitted though that it was difficult for the study group to define responsible mining.

“The big challenge is how to translate responsible mining into reality. All mining companies have claims  of being responsible miners, but issues and problems remain prevalent,” Gozun said.

She said the Philippines has better mining laws compared with other countries but the problem is in the implementation and enforcement aspect.

  BEEF UP MINING LAWS

Laws, as clearly defined, are restrictions that should be strictly followed by everyone of us.But then, should we ask ourselves if we had followed these enactments imposed? 

Undeniably, the proliferation of mining here in the country, illegal or not, is finally at hand. Many business organization engage in this kind of business  since profit is really assured to be substantial. Mining companies sees to it that in the way they plan to build this kind of profitable stuff, there should be a sufficient source that could meet their expectations to be financially well off and invest more not only here but also on internationally. In that way, the organizational agenda out of digging the wealth from the earth's core will be actualized. More opportunities, financial capability, and of course, the economic perspective of increasing the country's monetary standing worldwide are what these "unjust companies" always emphasize.

Philippines, the pearl of the orient seas,  is blessed enough to acquire most of the world's natural resources. Good climate, tall mountains and many other environmental picturesque of beauty and nature can be seen. Davao City, for instance, is one of the country's most promising places due to its scenic attractions and of course, bountiful resources that could productively supply the needs of its people living within its premises. In fact, it became the center of trade and development in Mindanao for many years of its existence. Unfortunately, as it has risen towards the peak of its improvement, many spectators come to unleash and urbanized the rest of its unmounted and virgin land. Is it just? if we consider the fact of degrading and depriving the nature's right to be preserved? i think it's depriving!

 

What I can say about these organizations who adhere for the country's development and progress, is that, they are all liars. They all say that it's for our country's good and betterment. I amend that these are just for their personal concerns and without valid considerations, they are just using these to cover up their purpose of making their money overflow from their pockets. I think that mining is not just the solution. There are many economical alternatives, so as not mention, that can probably solve the country's problem. As what have been said, "There are many ways to kill a cat.", that's why, I can surely state that there is no best solution to the problem.

The government shall impose strict restrictions on this issue. As an individual, I cannot pursue this adherence. My point is to beef up these laws so as to lessen the effects in our environment and of course economy. To evaluate, many natural resources will be affected if the government does not take a look on every detail of the said EIS. In that aspect, the economy will also be affected since raw materials will be mitigated due to contamination of the chemicals use in mining. We cannot meet the edge of becoming productive and competent in that sense. The stipulations in agreeing with this kind of business must be chopped into details. More and more, as it will be realistic, it will be easy to foresee the effects of what has been proposed. It must also be in the thinking of the business owners to abide with the law, setting aside their self- centered goal. 

 Seemingly, nowadays, many agree to this kind of activity. I am still positive, maybe not now, on the effects of mining. What just I am concerned of is how the owners respond to the laws of this republic. I can infer that the laws are weak; perhaps, they must follow these, though. They must set international standards and stick to its etiquette and ethics. It entails a lot of effect in our environment and our economy. The future depends on what is being built today. So, even how we want to become more progressive, we must consider the consequences of taking risks.

 For the government, I can say that they should be more strict and be more conscious with how they provide statutes.  It must concern the Filipino people and its youth because they are the hope of this nation.