Residents of Marbel in the province of South Cotabato staged a protest rally on Friday, October 4, 2024, to show their opposition against the possible full-blown mining operations in the province.
To further express their opposition, the residents and civil society organizations led by the Bishop of Marbel, Cerilo Casicas filed a Petition for Certiorari against the extension of Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) for another 12 years of Tampakan Copper-Gold. This agreement has been granted by the Mines and Geoscience Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
According to Ryan Jay Roset of Legal Rights, counsel for the petitioner, “The Constitution mandates that only the President can enter into agreements involving Financial or Technical Assistance; no other person in government has been ordained with this power to contract, not even an MGB director.
Of course, in entering into this agreement the President must see to it that the rights to a balanced and healthful ecology is upheld, along with the right of the people to participate in social, political, and economic decision-making. Pursuant to his executive functions too, he must ensure that the pertinent mechanisms under related laws like the Local Government Code, the IPRA are implemented, ” he added.
“The 12-year extension of the FTAA, granted without proper consultation and due process, poses a significant threat to our environment, particularly to critical ecosystems that support our livelihoods and biodiversity. The potential environmental and social impacts of this project cannot be ignored, and it is our collective duty to ensure that our natural resources are protected for future generations,” explained by Ms. Yolanda Esguerra of Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc.
“This act of the Mines and Geoscience Bureau signing the extension agreement on behalf of the president is unacceptable as it characterizes itself to envision a mineral industry that is “socially, economically and environmentally sustainable” but violates the constitutional right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology. The issuance of the 12-year extension favoring the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project disrespects the local government’s autonomy and mocks the residents’ long-standing principle against the threat of destructive mining,” said Fr. Jerome Millan, Director of the Social Action Center of Marbel.
The residents of Marbel, South Cotabato have long opposed the proposed mining project, citing the huge possibility of negative effects on their health, the environment, and the loss of agricultural livelihoods across the region.
Despite this, various sources have confirmed that the Tampakan Mine Project is set to be fully operational next year.
As of this writing, the petitioners led by Bishop Cerilo Casicas have already filed their case against the executive secretary praying that the 12-year renewal contract will be canceled immediately.
Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI)
