Implement EO79, Ochoa tells mining council, agencies

MANILA, Philippines – A week after Malacanang issued the much-awaited Executive Order No. 79, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. issued directives to the members of the newly created council to implement the reforms.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 17, Malacanang said Ochoa has issued a separate memoranda after President Aquino signed EO79 detailing the steps to be taken to effect the mining policies of the administration.

Addressing the members of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) and concerned government agencies, Ochoa said the following should be implemented:  

The MICC, co-chaired by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje co-chairs and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima

• come up with the rules and guidelines for the update the mineral commodity profile
• conduct studies and build databases on new markets, products, and available technologies aimed at the development of downstream industries and value-adding activities
• determine legislative measures that will ensure efficient and effective management of the mining sector and strengthen regulatory rules
• study the existing mechanisms for revenue-sharing, among others

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje

• take specific actions on issues involving strict enforcement of environmental laws
• inventory of social development, management and environment enhancement programs of mining companies
• geo-hazard and multi-hazard mapping of areas for mining
• determination of the final land use of mining areas once projects are completed, and non-issuance of new mining applications in Palawan

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, who chairs of the Cabinet cluster on Human Development and Poverty Reduction

• provide alternative livelihood for displaced mining workers
• craft mechanisms and guidelines to monitor human and labor rights violations
• complete cultural mapping of indigenous people
• ensure proper working and safety conditions within mining areas and nearby communities

Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, head of the Secretariat of the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption cluster,

• determine the specific roles of line agencies involved in mining to address their overlapping tasks and functions
• explore the possibility of tapping third-party international auditors to validate the volume and value of mineral exports from the Philippines

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