House OKs bill declaring Palawan district mining-free

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to declare the third district of Palawan as a mining-free zone.

House Bill 8816 aims to protect the people and environment in the district, which is composed of Puerto Princesa City and the municipality of Aborlan, against the adverse effects of mining.

The bill mandates the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to formulate rules and regulations to implement the measure.

“Mining... has destroyed forests and caused siltation of water sources... In order to protect and preserve the natural environment, immediate passage of the bill is earnestly sought,” Palawan third district Rep. Gil Acosta, principal author of the measure, said.

“While mining provides job opportunities for some, the degree of damage to the earth and on the livelihood of farmers and well-being of Palawenos... has become exceptionally alarming,” Acosta said.

Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa of Cebu City’s second district co-authored the bill.