MALACAÑANG said on Monday mining firms should strictly follow mining rules in the country so that they could convince the people, especially potential host communities, that they can conduct their operations responsibly and are thus worthy of their trust.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda made the statement in a news briefing when asked to comment on the result of an independent survey showing that  Filipinos don’t trust mining companies, something which may hinder fresh mining investments into the country.

“The only directive that we can give to mining companies is to follow our rules and regulations strictly. We would like to ensure that the community is maintained after mining is done…. Responsible mining has happened in several countries so there’s no reason it could not happen here in the Philippines,” Lacierda said, responding to the poll results.

He said public distrust toward mining firms is apparently rooted on past incidents when irresponsible mining harmed the environment, as in the case of the 1996 Marcopper Mining Corp. disaster in Marinduque which virtually killed the Boac River.

“If you look at the Marcopper mining incident, it was very devastating to Marinduque. And so these memories of all these irresponsible mining [operations] have been retained,” Lacierda said.

He said the administration has placed mining as among its key growth areas in recognition of the Philippines’ rich mineral resources, but it seeks to develop the industry through responsible mining, supported by the host community.

A poll conducted by public relations firm EON Inc., to gauge public trust in 19 industries, showed that only 22 percent of its 500 respondents from Metro Manila, Cebu City and Davao City trust firms in the mining sector. Those that obtained the highest trust are telecommunications, information technology, and tourism and hospitality companies.