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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos seeks better regulations to protect workers in mining industry

Marcos seeks better regulations to protect workers in mining industry

Published Nov 22, 2022 02:02 pm

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to bolster its regulatory powers on small and large-scale mining to ensure the safety of miners.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. met with environment officials on Nov. 22, 2022 to discuss issues in the mining industry. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Press Secretary)

"Ang kawawa diyan yung mga miners (The miners suffer the most). They're really not... they have no safety. Ang daming namamatay (Many are dying)," Marcos lamented, referring to miners who do not have the proper training and work in mining sites with inadequate safety measures.

The President made the instruction during a meeting with environment officials in Malacañang on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

He stressed the need to legalize small-scale mining firms "because many of them are illegal" which is the main cause of not having ample protection for miners.

"Gusto nating palakasin ang regulatory framework para maka-operate sila ng legal, upang mabigyan ang ating minero ng assistance at protection para sa ligtas nilang pagtatrabaho (We want to strengthen the regulatory framework for them to operate legally, in order to give our miners the assistance and protection to keep them safe at work),” Marcos said.

"We might be able to access financing, they might be able to access social protection," Marcos told DENR officials.

Marcos also said that there are bills he may certify as urgent, including the amendment to Republic Act 7076 to incentivize small-scale mining (SSM), to provide social assistance and labor protection as well as government assistance programs.

Under RA 7076, or the Act Creating A People's Small-Scale Mining Program, SSM pertains to mining activities that rely heavily on manual labor using simple implementations and methods.

The law also defines small-scale mining as an activity that "does not use explosives or heavy mining equipment."

"I think for now the need is for the regulatory capabilities, especially the small scale," the President pointed out.

The DENR earlier expressed commitment to review mining laws, including small-scale mining, to ensure that standards are updated and that the provision of the implementing rules and regulations takes full advantage of remote sensing and innovations in artificial intelligence.

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Bongbong Marcos Mining 112222 DENR MNERS President Marcos
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