New MGB...
in a text message.
The companies that were suspended so far are BenguetCorp Nickel Mines Inc., Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc., Eramen Minerals, Inc., Berong Nickel Corp., and Citinickel Mines and Development Corp.
Lopez said more companies should have the same fate in the next few days, wanting to have the audit done within this month.
Jasareno handed over the position to Jacinto in a turnover ceremony held on Monday at the MGB Central Office compound.
He shall perform the functions as provided in the Philippine Mining Act and all other laws, rules, and regulations.
Furthermore, he shall have the authority and supervision over the organization and operations of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for the purpose of overseeing the effective and successful implementation of its programs, activities, and projects.
Jacinto was tasked to assist the DENR Secretary by ensuring that all actions pertaining to permits, clearances, certificates, personnel recruitment, movements, and appointments relating to MGB and EMB functions that are authorized to be signed, issued by, or delegated to the DENR Secretary, are thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by his office for consideration and final disposition of the DENR Secretary.
From 1977 to 1983, the new MGB chief served as geologist and senior ge- ologist at the Bureau of Mines regional office for Mindanao in Surigao City.
During that period, he was also the Acting Mineral District Officer in the Bureau of Mines’ Mineral District Office No. 2 in Cagayan de Oro City as well as the Mineral Operations Officer in the Surigao Office.
Aside from his stint in the government, he also served as a consultant in various mining projects in the private sector.
Lopez made almost the same statement to Bulletin when she said the government doesn't mind if some of the US$30-billion worth of investments expected in the mining sector over the next 10 years wouldn't take place at all.
According to her, if putting into place stringent regulations in the sector will result in lost of investments, then it is a consequence she is willing to deal with.