Catholic priest urges gov’t to reconsider policy in granting mining permits 

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MANILA — An official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Permanent Committee on Public Affairs (CBCP-PCPA) urged the government to reconsider its policy in granting permits for mining operations in the country.

Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary, CBCP-PCPAnoted that in mining activities the workers were always the victims.

“In mining, tragedies of that magnitude are likely to happen. It’s unfortunate that workers, who earn a measly sum from such a dangerous work, are always the victims,” he said.

The Catholic priest issued the statement amid the collapse of Semirara Mining Corp.’s open-pit coal mines in Antique that killed at least six workers last Friday.

He said that such operation has more negative than positive impact on the country and its people.

“I hate to say this, but it’s only the mining companies that are benefitting enormously from such an activity. It’s negative effects obviously outweigh the positives,” he said.

The CBCP official added, “It destroys our natural resources, contributes a little to our country’s income and endangers the lives of workers. Most of all, it fosters corruption especially in local governments where there is mining.

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