BAGUIO CITY (Updated) -- President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday said he is willing to lose P70-billion in mining revenues as he supported the anti-mining stance of Environment Secretary Regina Paz "Gina" Lopez.
In a speech he delivered during the launch of PTV-4 Cordillera Hub in the Summer Capital, Duterte threw his full support behind Lopez anew, in the face of an imminent bypass by the Commission on Appointments.
He said Lopez has "passion" to fulfill her job as Environment Secretary.
"If you have something in mind about Gina Lopez, kindly rethink. And look at her passion," the President said.
Duterte earlier mulled to review the decision of Lopez to shut down the operations of erring mining companies due to concerns that the government would lose billions in profit from the mining industry.
The Chief Executive, however, apparently changed his mind, as he cited the problems caused by mining industry in the country.
"Look at mining, the rice fields that are crashed by a landslide and the water that are contaminated. I don't have problem about mining... The problem is I saw the denuded [mountains] and until now, the holes are already shallow because there's an open pit," he said.
"You know if that's the case, I have to support Lopez and I cannot help you. Let me just add that it only contributes to the country about P70 billion in taxes. We can live without it. I would rather follow Gina," he added.
Duterte said the country could still gain profit by looking for other means.
"Let"s look at other ways. Get the P70-billion somewhere else and preserve or environment," he said.
No intent to close mining companies
In a chance interview with reporters after the event, Duterte clarified that he has no intention to end all the mining operations in the country but stressed the mining laws must be followed accordingly.
The President said Lopez might give the mining firms, that were ordered to cease their operations, another chance, if they abide by the rules and regulations pertaining to mining activities.
"We do not intend to close the mining industry. It's impossible because there is a law governing the operations of mining... So what will happen you have to do the work that Gina wants and she will reconsider the decision," Duterte said.
"But one thing is very clear: Gina has the passion for it, she wants compliance. She never said that she's going to close permanently the mining companies. So just do your work, in accordance with the law. It is not Gina who is imposing the rules and regulations; it's the law and the environment to improve everything here," he added.
Mining groups have expressed strong opposition to the decision of Lopez to close mining companies, raising concerns over workers who will be displaced following her order.
But the President said he and Lopez only wanted to protect the public interest by not placing the environment to danger.
Aid to displaced mining workers ready
Duterte assured the workers that will be displaced by the closure of some mining site that they would get assistance from the government.
He said he would use Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) funds to provide support individuals who lose jobs because closure orders.
"I said you have to sacrifice but we are ready. I am ready to extend financial help to those who are displaced due to temporary closure," the President said.
"I have money for from, which is taken from Pagcor. So I have to preserve a little bit of money," he added.
The Chief Executive also appealed to the mining companies to help their workers since they have earned billions from mining works. (VoxPop Philippines)
