Duterte warns mining firms, hits ‘anarchists,’ too
PRESIDENT Duterte has warned mining firms against irresponsible mining practices and massive environment destruction.
Stop it or I’ll close you or tax you to death, the Punisher threatened.
*** Duterte warned militant groups against sowing anarchy by illegally occupying government housing units and committing other violent acts.
“Do not practice anarchy because I will not hesitate… I will have you shot!,” the President said.
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Duterte said in his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) that protecting the environment against irresponsible mining will now be his “non-negotiable policy.”
Translation: This time I’ll be firm. I’ll close you mining firms!
*** “At this point of my administration, if possible, we shall put a stop to the extraction and exportation of mineral resources to foreign nations,” he said.
A general threat vs irresponsible mining from the Malacañang chief. ***
“In the extraction and utilization of these resources, extreme care must be exercised that we do not recklessly and needlessly harm the environment,” Duterte stressed.
A stern reminder from the Chief Executive.
*** Duterte said he was holding all mining companies responsible “for the full clean up and restoration, rehabilitation of all areas damaged by mining activities.”
An order from the Punisher and Commander-in-Chief.
*** The President said that for companies that will not provide compensation to affected communities, “either I will raise taxes to compensate for the (people’s) suffering and their agony… or stop mining (altogether).”
Translation: Choose: Compensation, higher taxes or mining ban?
*** “Responsible, regulated, and sustainable development is what we advocate and require… and this policy in non-negotiable,” Duterte said.
The policy is clear. Comply with mining laws or else… *** “I am warning all mining operations and contractors to refrain from the unbridled and irresponsible destruction of our watershed, forest, and aquatic resources,” Duterte said.
Yes to warning! No to mining violations and massive environmental destruction.
*** The President warned Kadamay and other militant groups against committing anarchy and similar acts of violence as when they illegally occupied a government housing unit earlier.
“Don’t use poverty as an excuse to create chaos,” Duterte stressed.
***
“Believe me, if you sow chaos, steal, demonstrate violently, set a car that’s not yours on fire, I will have you shot,” the President said during an assembly of Filipino-Chinese businessmen in Malacañang.
“Even if I get the record of having the biggest number of Filipinos killed,” he added.
*** Duterte added that while he loves the poor, he considers the Kadamay group and communist rebels as “almost anarchists” for stealing or destroying property as if the country has no laws and no government.
“I’m angry because you supposedly want to talk to me but you tried to ambush me,”the President also told communist rebels. *** “Starting today, I will prepare the government. I will use all the money for the military,” Duterte vowed.
Yes to a government of laws, not a government of men.