The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) on Monday slapped graft charges against Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez in connection with her controversial mine closure and suspension orders last month.
The complaint was filed by COMP Chairman Art Dissini and Vice President for Policy and Legal Ronald Recidoro before the Office of the Ombudsman against Lopez for alleged violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; and RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
According to the COMP, Lopez, the sole respondent in the case, allegedly acted without due process in ordering and publicly announcing the closure of 23 mines and suspending five others.
“She did not even wait for the recommendations of any expert, or the result of any audit, before making the decision to close 23 mining corporations because of their proximity to watershed areas,” the complaint read.
The COMP added several companies suffered undue injuries from what it described as “baseless and illegal actions” of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources chief. “People have lost their jobs and their only source of income due to the closing,” the COMP complaint stated.
Moreover, the complainants said the closure order and Lopez’s public announcement damaged the reputation of the mining corporations and their business “due to the false allegations” against the mining industry as a whole.
The complainants alleged Lopez acted with manifest partiality and evident bad faith against the mining industry as attested by her own public pronouncements.
They added that Lopez’s public pronouncements attest to Lopez’s alleged bias against the industry.
Lopez, upon appointment as DENR chief, immediately ordered an audit of all operating mines, which, she said, have been causing environmental damage and suffering to people in affected communities.
COMP, which represents some of mining’s big players, however, said large-scale mining operations continue to adhere to the highest mining standards.
It earlier claimed that Lopez’s closure and suspension orders will condemn 1.2 million people to hunger and poverty, with 20,000 direct employees facing job loss. COMP is just one of the 23 groups and individuals opposing Lopez’s confirmation by the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA).
Lopez, whose appointment has deemed bypassed, is currently on a retreat abroad, as the CA panel decides on her fate Tuesday.
A known environmental advocate, Lopez stood pat on her decision in issuing the closure and suspension orders, as well as the cancellation of 75 mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) to protect watersheds.
Some of the operating mines have already appealed to President Duterte and are continuing their operations.
Lopez said no jobs had been lost, but added that the government is allocating P4 billion to jump-start a green economy in mining-affected areas.
Environmental groups and advocates have supported Lopez’s anti-mining campaign, and are urging the CA to confirm Lopez.
No less than Duterte has expressed support behind Lopez, even threatening to order a mining moratorium. Duterte said he is willing to let go of the P75-billion government revenue from mining.
At the same time, the COMP denied involvement in any destabilization efforts against the Duterte administration.
In a news statement, COMP said its members fully support the President and that they are unaware of any mining company that is supportive of any destabilization efforts. COMP has 26 regular members and 14 associate members. It also has 30 special members and four affiliate members, including small mining associations.