FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No. 38749

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the report “Mining in the Philippines-Concems and Conflicts: Report of a
Fact-Finding Trip to the Philippines" based on the visit of a team led by Clare Short
MP, the former UK Secretary of State for Overseas Development to the Philippines’
mining areas, it was stated that, “mining in the Philippines has an extremely poor
reputation. It has left over 800 abandoned mines littered throughout the countryside,
caused massive environmental damage...” Further, the report stated that, “mining in
the Philippines is being developed at a speed and scale and in a manner likely to
cause massive long-term environmental damage and social problems. Current
mining plans will undermine the Government's own strategy for sustainable
development by destroying or severely damaging critical eco-systems, including
watersheds, rivers, marine eco-systems and important agricultural production areas.

This just goes to show that majority of the mining firms operating in the
Philippines do not think about the environment and the negative effects that their
operations bring about

It is high time that the government address these negative effects and
undertake more measures to address ecosystem destruction and losses because a
healthy forest ecosystem is crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change.

This bill, if approve would be a step in the right direction as this bill would
require mining companies to reforest the mine sites that they used and have
denuded

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

6

RUFUS B. IGUEZ

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House BillNo. 3749

AN ACT
REQUIRING MINING FIRMS TO REFOREST LANDS THAT THEY DESTROY AND
FORESTS THAT THEY DENUDE, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS
THEREOF

8e it enacted by the Senate and House of the Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with
the rhythm and harmony of nature.

SEC. 2. Mining firms are hereby mandated to reforest 100 hectares of alnd for every
one hectare of land they destroy or excavate in the course of their mining operations.

SEC. 3. Mining firms are also mandated to immediately restore and replant areas
that they have already finished excavating as they move on to other development
sites: Provided, however, that if mining firms cannot do the reforestation in their
immediate area they could do the reforestation in other areas provided they comply
with the 100:1 hectare ratio.

SEC. 4. Penal Provisions - Any mining firm found to have violated or have not
complied with the foregoing mandatory provisions shall be held liable with the
penalaty of revocation of their mining permits and payment of a fine of not less than
One Million Pesos (P1,000,000).

The owners, officers and management employees of said mining firms shall
also be held liable and be subject to imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor
more than three (3) years.


SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules and
regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6, Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any provision of this Act, or any part
thereof, is declared invalid or unconstitutional, all others sections or provisions not
affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in
two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

Approved,