Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling on the Senate to conduct an investigation into the environmental and social impacts of mining and quarrying activities in the country, following recent incidents that have negatively affected communities and ecosystems.

Proposed Senate Resolution No. 989 urges the relevant Senate Committee to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, into recent widespread reports of the negative impacts of these practices across the country.

“The devastation and loss caused by mining and quarrying activities are distressing. Hindi lang kabuhayan ang nawawala pati buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Kailangang punan ang mga pagkukulang sa batas para matigil na ang mga trahedyang ito,” Hontiveros said.

The resolution underscores a series of tragic incidents, such as a fatal landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro, reportedly associated with mining operations, affecting members of the Mansaka Indigenous Cultural Community.

Additionally, mining activities have substantially affected Homonhon Island’s ecology and cultural heritage, while quarrying has been linked to degradation and concerns over water quality in Cajidiocan, Romblon.

There are also concerns raised regarding the utilization of mined and dredged materials to back controversial reclamation projects in environmentally sensitive areas like Manila Bay, along with assertive Chinese efforts to build islands in the West Philippine Sea.

The detention of vessels manned by workers from the People’s Republic of China involved in dredging operations off the coast of Zambales, and the reported presence of Chinese dredging vessels in Maguindanao del Norte, further emphasize the necessity for an investigation.

The Resolution highlights that environmental risks from mining outweigh economic benefits, despite abundant mineral resources. It also seeks to evaluate the regulatory framework of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), responsible for overseeing mining and quarrying operations in the country.

“We must not allow our precious natural resources to be exploited at the expense of our people and environment. Kailangang bigyang prayoridad ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan. Ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan, ay pangangalaga sa ating bayan at kinabukasan,” Hontiveros explained.

📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB, File photo