President backs Lopez on closure of mine operations to protect watersheds

President Duterte is backing the country’s environment secretary to keep the precious watersheds “off limits” to destructive mining operations.

Environment Secretary Regina Lopez affirmed that the closure of mining operations in watersheds was non-negotiable, adding she has the support of the President on protecting this natural resource.

"It would take a miracle to convince me to allow mining in watersheds because as far as I know it's against the law. It's against social justice, it's against the Constitution to allow any kind of extractive industry inside the watershed,” Lopez said in a Palace press conference.

“In the Cabinet meeting, his last closing remark in front of everyone ‘I agree that there should be no mining in watersheds,’” she added, referring to the President’s position on the mining issue.

After months of audit, Lopez recently announced the closure of 23 large-scale mining operations and suspension of five others for alleged violation of the country’s mining and environmental laws.

Mining companies however complained they were not given due process and urged the President to intervene. The Palace later assured that these firms will be given a chance to respond or dispute with the audit or make the necessary remedies to ensure compliance with government standards.

In the Palace press briefing, Lopez defended that her decision to shut down these mining operations was “fair” and above board, dismissing allegations the mining companies were not given due process.

She explained that she followed the “rules of law” in carrying out the audit of the mining operations before handing down the decision.

Asked if the closure of these mining operations was not negotiable, Lopez said: “For me, no. That’s how I feel.”

“I have made a policy in DENR that there should be no extractive industries in watersheds because it will kill the community life of the people around and it has,” she added.

Lopez however recognized that the President will have the final say on the fate of the mining companies.

She said the mining companies could appeal the DENR decision to the Office of the President. Pending such appeal before OP, mining operations can continue.

If the President upholds the mine closure, Lopez said the companies can bring their case to court. By the time, mineral operations would be suspended until the court makes a final decision.

The DENR chief however is inclined to file criminal charges against the mining companies implicated in environmental destruction.