Robredo: Systems needed for locals to benefit most from mining

Vice President Leni Robredo said that mechanisms must be put in place to make sure that locals, especially indigenous peoples, benefit most from mining activities in the country.

In a one-on-one interview with talk show host Boy Abunda, Robredo said that the mechanism would provide aplatform for those affected by mining operations to voice out their concerns and opinions, especially in the decision-making process on the use of their land resources.

When asked how she would make this possible, Robredo cited the People Empowerment Bill, which she authored when she was still a congresswoman.Under the bill, government agencies would be mandated to establish people’s councils, where the important stakeholders are represented and are given voting rights.

“Doon sa lugar na papayagan ang mining dahil nakasaad sa land-use act na pwede yun gawin mineral sites, sisiguraduhin natin na ang makikinabang ay yung locality at yung indigenous peoples, dapat sila makinabang,” Robredo said. “Dapat, ‘pag papayagan ito, sisiguraduhin natin na yung mga boses ng mga maapektuhan ay pinapakinggan.”

Robredo had said at a forum last week that she would certify as urgent the proposed National Land Use Act should she win the presidency in May.

The Vice President is also looking to rationalize the different government agencies involved in regulating the mining industry like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the Climate Change Commission to assure that there would be no overlapping functions.

“Sisiguraduhin natin na klaro ang kanilangroles,para angaccountabilityay klaro rin,”Robredo said.

Screengrab from The Boy Abunda Talk Channel.