Dennis Gaviola

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ABS-CBN News

MANILA – Environmental and human rights organizations are urging voters to focus on candidates with robust environmental agendas in the upcoming May 2025 elections, promoting the message “Vote Green, Not Greed.” Advocates emphasized the need on electing leaders committed to effective environmental policies rather than those associated with mining interests and political families.During a press conference to kick off the Anti-Mining Solidarity Week, also referred to as Mining Hell Week, Jake Tabarra, Youth Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), highlighted the critical role of political engagement in tackling the nation’s environmental issues.“We need to elect leaders that will push for sound environmental policies instead of trapos who cater to the interest of big business, if not their own self-serving agendas,” Tabarra stated, encouraging younger generations to leverage their votes and collective action to drive change.Marylou Verano from Ang Aroroy Ay Alagaan, Inc. (4A) and ATM’s Council of Leaders expressed concern over the severe impacts of large-scale mining on local communities.“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, we have lost our livelihoods resulting in poverty,” Verano remarked, criticizing the government’s inaction regarding the detrimental effects of mining.In addition, Mikko John Rivero of Living Laudato Si pointed out ongoing resistance efforts in Sibuyan, where residents have recently submitted a petition to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) requesting the cancellation of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation’s contract due to environmental violations.“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&#x27;s blatant violations,” Rivero asserted.Belle Reyes from the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) highlighted the crucial role of grassroots movements in combating environmental harm, referencing the recent establishment of a 50-year mining moratorium in Palawan. “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,” Reyes stated.  Abby Dupale of LILAK (Purple Actions for Indigenous Women’s Rights) pointed out the unequal impact of mining on women and indigenous communities. “As nurturers and protectors of the environment and the community, women and indigenous have to deal with polluted and toxic sources of water, foot shortage, and harassment against environmental human rights defenders,” Dupale remarked.  She also noted that mining has a direct impact on over half of the key biodiversity areas (KBAs) and Protected Areas (PAs), as well as nearly two-thirds of the ancestral lands claimed and titled by indigenous peoples.  Despite the government&#x27;s strong push for mining, data from the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) show that the industry contributes very little to the economy. The reports indicated that mining loses 24% of taxes due to tax incentives, represents only 3% of total excise tax collections, accounts for a mere 0.4% of total employment, and makes a negligible contribution to GDP.  Jaybee Garganera, the National Coordinator of ATM, criticized the close relationships between political elites and the mining sector, arguing that these ties have resulted in policies that benefit large mining companies at the cost of local communities and ecosystems.“ATM has conducted a study that shows the close links between the political elites and dynasties to mining businesses. There 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,” Garganera stated.During the event, panelists unveiled the “Green Agenda 2025,” a policy framework developed by environmental organizations, advocacy groups, and church communities. This agenda features proposals aimed at regulating mining activities, enhancing environmental protections, and fostering sustainable development.

Advocates emphasized the need on electing leaders committed to effective environmental policies rather than those associated with mining interests and political families.

Advocates emphasized the need on electing leaders committed to effective environmental policies rather than those associated with mining interests and political families.

Environmental advocates urge public to ‘Vote Green, Not Greed’

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Environmental advocates urge public to ‘Vote Green, Not Greed’

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 11, 2025 01:04 AM PHT

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Alyansa Tigil Mina

DENR

mining

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