Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines (CDP)

Unit 3, 2nd F MILLE Building, 335-337 Gil Puyat Ave. (formerly Buendia) cor. Dominga St., Pasay City Landline/Fax: (+632) 799-4924/ 385 2269 Mobile Numbers: 09276567528(Globe) ; 09287498674(Smart) Website:www.cdp.ph; Email address::centrist.democratic.party@gmail.com

The Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines (CDP): Supporting responsible mining under strict conditions Mining plays an important role in many localities in the Philippines. However, few issues are discussed more controversial than the issue of mining. It is considered by many experts to be a relevant source of economic development, income and jobs for many people. But for many others it is an irresponsible and irreversible exploitation of nature, destruction of natural environment, expropriation of local workers, prime reason for land grabbing and injustice done to poor farmers namely also Indigenous Peoples without formal land titles. The CDP does not support the position of a total ban of mining in the Philippines. CDP supports responsible mining under strict conditions. We need to use all the natural and human resources of our country to overcome poverty and to achieve decent living conditions and welfare for all. This includes the systematic exploration and use of the rich mineral resources of our country by local and international investors. However, mining has to be done in a responsible way. Therefore we request: (1) The careful examination of the formal land titles and traditional land use rights of the families living in the area where mining concessions are applied for. If the exploration of the respective minerals at a certain area is considered to be in the interest of the whole country and its citizens by the legitimized state bodies, they have to arrange taking over the costs and the logistic support for the relocation of the families living on this land to places in their respective settlement area without any disadvantages in comparison to their former situation. (2) The strict legal obligation of the mining companies requesting concessions to conduct the mining without irreversible damage of the natural environment at the respective areas. In cases where the mining concessions are requested for areas with a unique natural environment or specific biodiversity, the concessions shall only be granted, if the concessionaires can guarantee that this natural environment or specific biodiversity will not be damaged or will be

CDP Position on Responsible Mining

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Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines (CDP)

Unit 3, 2nd F MILLE Building, 335-337 Gil Puyat Ave. (formerly Buendia) cor. Dominga St., Pasay City Landline/Fax: (+632) 799-4924/ 385 2269 Mobile Numbers: 09276567528(Globe) ; 09287498674(Smart) Website:www.cdp.ph; Email address::centrist.democratic.party@gmail.com

restored by the mining company through rehabilitation efforts after the end of the exploration activities. (3) The strict adherence of the mining companies to all Philippine legal regulations which protect the health, safety and decent payment of the labourers and the health of the population living around the mining places. On the background of the rampant corruption which in many mining places allows mining companies not to follow these legal regulations, the CDP requests the set up of independent monitoring bodies with major participation of local and national civil society and governance watchdog organizations as well as trade unions at each mining area, in order to make sure that all legal regulations are religiously followed during the mining process. (4) A fair participation of the local population at the profits and benefits of the mining activities. Further to the payment of decent salaries the mining companies have to share their profits by paying relevant profit taxes to the Philippine State. And we will introduce legislation which guarantees that at least half of the revenues from profit tax on the mining companies will stay with the local communities at the mining areas, providing them with the opportunity to improve infrastructure, health and education facilities and other factors relevant for the improvement of the living situation of the respective population.

(5) The

complete

closure

and

future

prevention

of

illegal

and

unregulated micro mining activities. Tolerated and even promoted or organized by local dynasties or rich local business people, illegal and unregulated micro mining activities benefiting these dynasties or business people are taking place at many areas in the Philippines, damaging the rights and lives of the local population and the natural environment, creating breading places for crime, fighting and insecurity and being sources for additional calamities during natural disasters. We have to enforce the stop of these activities or by closure of the mining places or by transition into regulated and strictly monitored mining after provision of the respective concessions.

CDP Position on Responsible Mining

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