ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 5, 2012) – Calls rejecting the Ordinance banning open pit mining in Zamboanga del Norte got a boost this week as petitions signed by more than 50,000 registered voters from the municipalities of Siocon, Baliguian, Sibuco, Kalawit, Labason, Tampilisan, and Liloy were filed with the office of Vice Governor Francis Olvis.
The petitions, addressed to the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, voiced strong opposition to Provincial Ordinance No. ZN-11-128, and are asking the legislative body and provincial officials to repeal the same or risk withdrawal of support in the forthcoming elections.
The petitioners cited various reasons in rejecting the local legislation, foremost of which is the lack of public consultations before the passage of the now controversial ordinance.
They expressed belief that the ordinance is but a scheme to advance the personal interest of a few political leaders. They likewise conveyed in their manifesto that the ordinance bars the realization of their dreams of development and a better life because it prevents the entry of responsible companies that may wish to operate in their area.
“The Ordinance stalls the development of the countryside. We have not received much support from government and this ordinance will further hinder poverty alleviation as this will discourage investments. We are aware of the improved quality of life in Siocon after the entry of large-scale miner TVI Resource Development Phils., Inc. We don’t want the local government to take out that opportunity from us should there be responsible companies interested to do business in our place,” said a community leader after filing the petition.
The Subanons have also added their voice to the strong calls to reject the ordinance. “We despise the fact that this Ordinance will prevent Indigenous Peoples like us to favorably decide on our own and exercise our right to self-determination as enshrined in the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (Republic Act No. 8371).”
The petitions likewise argue that the ordinance does not aim to protect and conserve natural resources because it allows the more destructive small-scale mining which is known to pollute the environment through the dumping of wastes in water bodies. “It would be better if large companies are given permission to operate because it would be much easier to monitor and regulate them,” the petitioners suggest.
In December last year, a similar petition signed by more than 6,000 residents, mostly direct recipients of social development projects of TVIRD’s mining operations in Sitio Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte composed of Subanons, farmers, Muslim fisherfolks, women’s groups and TVI scholars, have been filed with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. This was after some 600 residents of Canatuan and neighboring areas marched in a protest rally in Dipolog to appeal for the scrapping of the ordinance banning open pit mining.
Meanwhile, the Motion for Reconsideration filed by Governor Rolando Yebes and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is set to be heard at the sala of Judge Rogelio Laquihon of RTC Branch 6 after the court has granted a preliminary injunction asked by TVIRD.
In the resolution issued January 4 by Laquihon, the court cited that “TVI is entitled to an injunction because it would suffer grave and irreparable damage and injury if the Ordinance would be implemented.” The court likewise noted that TVIRD has “initially established a strong case of the unconstitutionality of Provincial Ordinance No. ZN-11-128.”
Other personalities and groups which have expressed support to the calls of repealing the said ordinance include local business leaders belonging to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Siocon Mayor Ceasar Soriano, Baliguian Mayor Gani Esmali and the Liga ng mga Barangay of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.
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