DENR Exec Urges Study on Bills Seeking to Ban Export of Unprocessed Minerals

An official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has urged a feasibility study on the pending bills in the House of Representatives and the Senate seeking to ban the export of unprocessed minerals.

DENR 7 Director Isabelo Montejo said the study should focus on the effects of the bills on employment and investment in the mining sector.

These are House Bill No. 5058 filed by Rep. Francisco Matugas and Senate Bill No. 2374 filed by Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino.

Montejo said the passage of the bills could mean more investors in the country and more employment opportunities.

But Montejo said that if it is passed into law immediately, it will hamper the government’s long-term plan for power requirements under the renewable energy venture and environment protection program.

Montejo said the Philippines has a problem with power supply. Power in the country is considered the highest priced in Asia.

“The government should come up with a long-term plan for power requirements to venture on renewable energy and environmental protection should be in place,” Montejo said.

Dr. Eddie Llamedo, DENR 7 public information officer, said the bills should be studied more deeply to determine their impact on export earnings.

The Philippines is exporting raw or unprocessed limestone minerals to Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, among other countries. (PNA) SCS/EB/EDS