Akbayan’s mineral resources bill fixes issues surrounding mining - ATM
ATM Statement | November 6, 2024
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) welcomed today the filing of the Philippine Mineral Resources Act by Akbayan Representative Percival Cendaña, saying that “its passage would fix many of the problems hounding the mining industry.”
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said Akbayan’s proposed bill rationalizes mining operations and the utilization of minerals for national industrialization. “The bill’s approval would repeal the flawed Mining Act of the Philippines and would ensure that the country’s minerals will not be exported but will be used for the development of the country’s agriculture and manufacturing.”
Garganera said the bill is aligned with the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) that environmental and human right groups have long been advocating for. “The bill identifies more areas as no-go zones at the same time that it recognizes the right of indigenous peoples to self-determination and the right of local governments to autonomy.”
“Simply put, the bill addresses the serious issues involving mining, such as environmental destruction, human rights violations and the industry’s miniscule economic contributions,” he says.
“We commend Akbayan Representative Percival Cendaña for this legislative initiative. We further call on all concerned members of Congress to immediately act on this important bill and work for its passage,” said Garganera.
