Environmental and human rights advocates have called on Filipinos to prioritize pro-environment candidates in the upcoming May 2025 elections, urging voters to reject corrupt politicians tied to mining firms and political dynasties.
“We need to elect leaders that will push for sound environmental policies instead of trapos who cater to the interests of big business, if not their own self-serving agendas,” said Jake Tabara, Youth Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM). He called on young voters to drive change not just through the ballot but also through collective action.
The call was made during the launch of the Anti-Mining Solidarity Week, also known as Mining Hell Week, which seeks to raise awareness about the devastating effects of large-scale mining on communities and ecosystems.
Marylou Verano of Ang Aroroy ay Alagaan, Inc. (4A) and ATM Council of Leaders decried the irreversible damage mining has inflicted on their environment.
“Mining has taken its toll on our health as our source of water has become polluted and toxic, and our food contaminated. We inhale metallic dust from blasting. Plants no longer grow and fishes in the rivers have died, and we have lost our livelihoods resulting in poverty,” she said, lamenting that the government has failed to perform its duty to address the worst effects of mining.
Meanwhile, Mikko John Rivero of Living Laudato Si shared that due to the violations of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation, Sibuyan residents have recently filed a petition before the DENR demanding that Altai Mining’s contract be cancelled.
“We cannot allow mining operations to destroy our island. DENR must abide by its mandate to protect our natural resources and decide in favor of the communities, instead of condoning Altai Mining’s blatant violations.”
On the other hand, Belle Reyes of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) stressed the importance of the anti-mining resistance in preventing damage to the environment and communities as she narrated their struggle towards a 50-year mining moratorium in Palawan that was recently approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
“The moratorium would not have been approved were it not for the strong lobby of the Church, NGOs, and residents and their persistent efforts over the years. They were able to strategically convince Governor Socrates, who pushed for the moratorium until it was successfully passed,” Reyes told the media.
Abby Dupale of LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights) highlighted the burdens carried by women and indigenous groups as they deal with the effects of mining. “As nurturers and protectors of the environment and the community, women and indigenous groups have to deal with polluted and toxic sources of water, food shortage, and harassment against environmental human rights defenders.”
“Mining directly impacts more than half of key biodiversity areas (KBAs) and Protected Areas (PAs) and almost two-thirds of claimed and titled ancestral domains of indigenous peoples,” Dupale added.
Despite the government’s aggressive push for mining, the industry continues to contribute very little to the economy. Reports from the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) reveal that mining companies have taken advantage of tax holidays, resulting in a 24% loss in taxes due. The sector contributes only 3% to total excise tax collections, a mere 1% to the country’s GDP, and just 0.4% to total employment.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, decried the blatant bias for huge mining companies at the expense of the environment and communities.
““ATM has conducted a study that shows the close links between the political elites and dynasties to mining businesses. There are several politicians such as the Romualdezes, Zamoras and Villars, who are beneficial owners of mining corporations. It is no wonder, therefore, that mining has taken center stage in this administration and in previous governments,” he said.
During the event, the panelists discussed the agenda on mining, which is among the proposed measures under the “Green Agenda 2025” crafted by environmental, cause-oriented and church groups for the 2025 elections.
