House declares 2 cities, 5 provinces mining-free zones

• Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/news/nation/house-declares-2-cities-5-provinces-mining-free-zones
• Sunday, June 21, 2015

By Ryan Ponce Pacpaco

THE House of Representatives has approved eight proposed laws declaring two cities in Mindanao and five provinces as well as one district in another area of the country as mining-free zones.

“Mining has been statistically proven to be one of the most environmentally destructive industries,” the authors collectively stressed.

The bills, under consideration by the Senate, include: HB 45 by Hon. Rufus B. Rodriguez and and Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.; HB 5262 authored by Hon. Isidro T. Ungab; HB 670 by Hon. Cesar V. Sarmiento; HB 3667 authored by Deputy Speaker Carlos M. Padilla; HB 3780 by Hon. Ben P. Evardone; HB 4363 of Hon. Deogracias B. Ramos, Jr.; HB5260 by Hon. Joseph Gilbert F. Violago; and HB 5261 by Hon. Rogelio J. Espina, M.D.

The House-approved measures had been steered through plenary by the sponsoring House committee on natural resources.

The areas sought to be declared as mining-free zones include the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Davao, and the provinces of Catanduanes, Nueva Vizcaya; Eastern Samar, the 2nd District of Sorsogon, Nueva Ecija; and Biliran.

The authors cited the constitutional mandate “to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”

“Mining has adverse effects both to humans and the environment. Aside from adding toxic chemicals to the ore, it strips-off large areas of top soil of all flora and fauna,” they added.