ATM Reaction to proposed Mining Fiscal Regime Bill

ATM Statement | August 29, 2023

Alyansa Tigil Mina strongly criticized House Bill 8937 that is being deliberated in the House of Representatives today as it called the proposed mining fiscal regime bill a “sell-out to mining companies and a betrayal of mining-affected communities.”

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator said “HB 8937 defeats the original purpose of a new fiscal regime, which is to raise revenues from mining.” He said that “the House version does the opposite and totally eases the tax burden of the mining companies and deprives local governments and host communities their revenue share.”

“This bill ensures more rampant mining as the fiscal measures make it a lot easier and conducive for existing mining players and new entrants to operate in the Philippines,” he said. “This is a cause for alarm as this could mean more destructive mining projects and loss of livelihood for mining-affected communities.

Garganera called on Congress to reject the bill. “The proposed mining fiscal regime bill is ultimately dangerous for the environment and host communities and a great disadvantage to government. We call on the members of the House not to adopt HB 8937 and instead uphold public interest over mining companies’ profits.”

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