An action was enacted as President Ferdinand (Bongbong) Marcos Jr. took measures to provide an improved mining tax system in the Philippines by signing it into law. This may ensure a fair distribution of revenues among the government. However, there is a gap in this new system, as it may be favorable to the mining industry but also poses a massive risk regarding environmental factors and the safety of local communities.
A push regarding the margin-based royalty, ranging from 1% to 5% of gross output from mining companies that operate within government-designated mining sites—depending on profitability—has raised doubt among local communities. This enactment is questioned: what about the communities that would be affected? How about the rising risks in mining areas? The claimed benefits from this only cover the industry while ignoring several factors affecting locals.
However, this is a progression in terms of industrial factors and resource multiplication. With the right measures and implementations, this can boost revenues, empower LGUs, and support long-term sustainability. But, consequently, negative impacts are unavoidable.
The word regarding the new fiscal regime, over time, will spread like wildfire, attracting mining industries—which is not good news for the local communities and the environment. Possibilities are, this may contain a “backhanded investment” or be biased, knowing that they lack benefits for the people who will be affected.
In the meantime, observing how this continues—if it will greatly or negatively impact the environment—we must stay aware and alert. In case Mother Nature is in need of saving, we are one call away.
Despite the efforts, there still seems to be a blind spot—how they didn’t see what was at stake—the environment, climate change, and communities affected, all left to compensate for the luxury of miners. However, this is just the start—the beginning of a new chapter.
When the time comes and karma hits, as Mother Nature is incapable of protecting us from natural disasters and climate change, who’d be to blame? Slowly, we’re tearing her apart, and we’d be the ones responsible for what the future may possess.
A push regarding the margin-based royalty, ranging from 1% to 5% of gross output from mining companies that operate within government-designated mining sites—depending on profitability—has raised doubt among local communities. This enactment is questioned: what about the communities that would be affected? How about the rising risks in mining areas? The claimed benefits from this only cover the industry while ignoring several factors affecting locals.
However, this is a progression in terms of industrial factors and resource multiplication. With the right measures and implementations, this can boost revenues, empower LGUs, and support long-term sustainability. But, consequently, negative impacts are unavoidable.
The word regarding the new fiscal regime, over time, will spread like wildfire, attracting mining industries—which is not good news for the local communities and the environment. Possibilities are, this may contain a “backhanded investment” or be biased, knowing that they lack benefits for the people who will be affected.
In the meantime, observing how this continues—if it will greatly or negatively impact the environment—we must stay aware and alert. In case Mother Nature is in need of saving, we are one call away.
Despite the efforts, there still seems to be a blind spot—how they didn’t see what was at stake—the environment, climate change, and communities affected, all left to compensate for the luxury of miners. However, this is just the start—the beginning of a new chapter.
When the time comes and karma hits, as Mother Nature is incapable of protecting us from natural disasters and climate change, who’d be to blame? Slowly, we’re tearing her apart, and we’d be the ones responsible for what the future may possess.
K
Written by Kayleigh Shingler, Insight PH
Kayleigh Shingler, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
