Paulo Martin O.

Abas
2014 -65692

Legislative Franchise HB 6259: a reaction

The proposed House Bill amending the current mining laws was explained to be based on minings
adverse effects on the environment and community, as such requires additional inspection before
providing mining permits. Additionally, it was contrasted with the harmless telecommunications industry
that was still required with a legislative franchise.

The provided House Bill contained the following Section amendments:

1-27 Eligibility: to pass under legislative franchise granting
2-33 Eligibility: to pass FTAA under legislative franchise granting

My base reaction is that undergoing legislative franchising would comfort affected communities
on the legitimacy of mining operations as it would come as operations were made under scrutiny.
Problems I've considered would be the accountability of congressmen to perform unbiasedly of providing
legislative franchise. Though, legislative franchising would provide even more security for both
government and mining operations regarding accomplishment of terms agreed upon.

Granting only less years to exploit mineral resources would prove to be disadvantageous for large
scale mining who have taken high risks to a long ROI business. Embargo on mined ores without providing
an extractive and adaptive metallurgical industry would be a foolish move as it would stockpile what could
have been profit for the mining companies and the government. Though this initiative is well meant for a
patriotic industry, lack of provisions of such would hinder only both parties involved.

Rehabilitation deadline is a good addition to the bill, it sets culpability for irresponsible mining
operators.

The bill heavily relies on the assumption that the legislative process of scrutiny and overseeing
such operations be unbiased and factual. As such, addition of another political layer adds more room for
corruption and injustice to occur, but then again, mutual trust should be practiced. I suggest that not only
mining companies to clean up their act but also the government so that the goal towards industrialization
for the Philippines would be an actuality that would serve the country and its inhabitants greatly.