SENATOR Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel has filed a resolution that seeks to probe the adverse impact of mining and quarrying on the country’s ecosystems and local communities.
Under the proposed Senate Resolution No. 989, she called for an inquiry in aid of legislation into reports of landslides and the degradation of water quality linked to mining and quarrying.
“The devastation and loss caused by mining and quarrying activities are distressing,” she said in a statement on Monday.
The senator added that the environmental risks posed by the mining industry outweigh the economic benefits for Filipinos despite the country’s abundant mineral resources.
The resolution, filed on April 11, also seeks to evaluate the framework of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for overseeing these operations in the country.
“We must not allow our precious natural resources to be exploited at the expense of our people and environment,” Ms. Hontiveros-Baraquel said. “We need to give priority to taking care of our environment, which is also taking care of our nation and future.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez
