House OKs bills on mining-free zone in Davao Oriental, parts of Palawan

The bills declaring Davao Oriental and some parts of Palawan a mining-free zone have been approved on third and final reading at the House of Representatives. House Bills No. 8815 and 8816, which will hurdle all forms of mining operations and activity both large-scale and small-scale in Davao Oriental and the third district of Palawan, respectively, hurdled the chamber each with 187 affirmative and zero negative votes. House Bill No. 8816 will only cover the City of Puerto Princesa and the Municipality of Aborlan. If enacted, the bills will amend Republic Act No. 7942, or the Mining Act of 1995, and RA No. 7076, or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act. Among others, the bills will prohibit exploration activities in the covered areas and cancel small-scale mining contracts upon effectivity. Moreover, the bills provided that any person, natural or juridical, found guilty of violations shall be subjected to six to 12 years imprisonment and a fine of P1 million to 10 million. —