"Vote Green, Not Greed" urged in May 2025 elections

Environmental advocates and human rights defenders strongly urged the public today to “Vote Green, not Greed” in the coming May 2025 elections, stressing that electoral candidates with clear platforms for the environment must be voted over corrupt and self-serving politicians with links to mining companies and political dynasties.

“We need to elect leaders that will push for sound environmental policies instead of trapos who cater to the interests of big business, if not their own self-serving agendas”, said Jake Tabara, Youth Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), as he called on the younger generations distressed by the country’s state of affairs to “bring change, through the vote and through collective actions.”

These calls were made during a press conference today launching the Anti-Mining Solidarity Week (also known as Mining Hell Week), which aims to raise awareness on the consequences of large-scale mining operations on communities against a backdrop of the country’s socio-economic-political system.

Marylou Verano of Ang Aroroy ay Alagaan, Inc. (4A) and ATM Council of Leaders said, “Mining has taken its toll on our health as our source of water has become polluted and toxic, and our food contaminated. We inhale metallic dust from blasting. Plants no longer grow and fishes in the rivers have died, and we have lost our livelihoods resulting in poverty,” she said, lamenting that the government has failed to perform its duty to address the worst effects of mining.

Meanwhile, Mikko John Rivero of Living Laudato Si shared that due to the violations of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation, Sibuyan residents have recently filed a petition before the DENR demanding that Altai Mining’s contract be cancelled. “We cannot allow mining operations to destroy our island. DENR must abide by its mandate to protect our natural resources and decide in favor of the communities, instead of condoning Altai Mining’s blatant violations.”

On the other hand, Belle Reyes of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) stressed the importance of the anti-mining resistance in preventing damage to the environment and communities as she narrated their struggle towards a 50-year mining moratorium in Palawan that was recently approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). “The moratorium would not have been approved were it not for the strong lobby of the Church, NGOs, and residents and their persistent efforts over the years. They were able to strategically convince Governor Socrates, who pushed for the moratorium until it was successfully passed.”

Abby Dupale of LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights) highlighted the burdens carried by women and indigenous groups as they deal with the effects of mining. “As nurturers and protectors of the environment and the community, women and indigenous groups have to deal with polluted and toxic sources of water, food shortage, and harassment against environmental human rights defenders.”

“Mining directly impacts more than half of key biodiversity areas (KBAs) and Protected Areas (PAs) and almost two-thirds of claimed and titled ancestral domains of indigenous peoples,” Dupale added.

Despite the government’s aggressive push for mining, the mining industry continues to contribute measly to the country’s economy. Previous reports by the Philippine Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) revealed: (i) losses of 24% of taxes due to tax holidays; ii) only 3% mining contribution to total excise tax collections; (iii) only 1% contribution of mining to GDP; and, iv) only 0.4% mining contribution to total employment.

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, decried the blatant bias for huge mining companies at the expense of the environment and communities. “ATM has conducted a study that shows the close links between the political elites and dynasties to mining businesses. There are several politicians such as the Romualdezes, Zamoras and Villars, who are beneficial owners of mining corporations. It is no wonder, therefore, that mining has taken center stage in this administration and in previous governments.”

During the event, the panelists discussed the agenda on mining, which is among the proposed measures under the “Green Agenda 2025” crafted by environmental, cause-oriented and church groups for the 2025 elections.

The speakers called on candidates to undertake the following measures:

• Revoke Executive Order 130 / Re-impose a moratorium on mining projects and contracts / Withdraw the categorization of mining as a part of the Strategic Investment Plan. Uphold the ban on open-pit mining.

• Implement a People’s Mine Audit / Disclose all the results of the mine audits and the subsequent Mine Audit Review reports.

• Review all mine contracts and permits approved during the COVID19 pandemic, including the midnight mining deals in June 2016 and June 2022.

• Classify as urgent the enactment of a new mining law.

• Establish mechanisms for community participation in the monitoring of existing mining projects,

including a regular Mine Performance Audit.

• Enact and implement the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) at the subnational

levels.

 Ensure genuine civil society organizations (CSO) participation in all mechanisms/structures mandated by law.

• Stop the issuance of new contracts for large-scale extractive activities unless there is a new mining law enacted that includes the context of the climate crisis and other environmental safeguards.

• Compel mining corporations to prioritize rehabilitation of destroyed ecosystems and habitat due to mining.

• Uphold and support local autonomy in protecting their environment against extractive corporations; Support local legislations for environmental protection.

• Support the international call for moratorium on deep sea mining.

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