The tri-partite partnership among China, Vietnam, and the Philippines to conduct "pre-exploration" research in the Spratley Islands is tagged as the "mother of all ZTE deals". Drilon says it is a precondition to China's multi-billion dollar loan assistance to the Philippines. (Read more the Philippine Daily Inquirer)
The government, as explained by DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzales, says it has not violated the constitution because it is just a "pre-exploration" activity.
Pidjangas, ajaw na paglajo... tan-awon ta an ato bongsyan...
There are "mining claims" in Mainit and these are just snapshots of the massive mining activities in the entire province of Surigao. Fortunately, we have "active" groups who risked their lives in ensuring that NO ACTIVITY will do harm to our people and to our environment. The Pidjanga Blogger supports this cause! And as an effect the few "protests" of these groups... the mining firms were complelled to respond and say... "WE ARE NOT CONDUCTING ANY MINING, WE ARE JUST DOING EXPLORATION".
Now... environmentalists, mining engineers, lawyers... can you please help us know...
What is pre-exploration? If it is conducting research, one has to "explore" to a some degree, isn't it? Kay uman, imo ra tutukan an lupa, hibay-an mo na dajon na jaoy buyawan? Uman tala?
What is exploration? How is this different from mining? A firm can bulldoze the entire mountains of our Barangay Tagbuyawan under a legally approved "exploration" permit. Ini an permi lusot nan mga tampalasan... nag-explore ra kuno sila, an badja garhab na an entiro bukid. Nan simay tag-tonto nila?
What is mining? Mining is never sustainable and our laws and policies are flawed to be able to effect and ensure responsible mining. And with the reality of corrupt officials in the Philippines, mining can be done in the guise of several "deals" like "pre-exploration and exploration" permits. Taghimo ra kita nan bungoy!
If you don't think there is no serious environmental problem today, or if you do but not really convinced that as individual you can do something... you have just wasted your time reading this! But if you believe you can make a difference, click here.
Someone predicted that in 100 years time, there will be NO SEAFOODS if we will not accelerate our response to mitigate climate change NOW. Taking this very seriously, I am now taking photos of every seafood I order, hopefully, to preserve these memories for my grandchildren... in case these happens.
Here are some of my posts related to mining in Mainit... here, here, and here.
Post: Zimmbodilion (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Mar 8, 2008
1 comment:
"WE ARE NOT CONDUCTING ANY MINING, WE ARE JUST DOING EXPLORATION".
one has to "explore" to a some degree, isn't it? Kay uman, imo ra tutukan an lupa, hibay-an mo na dajon na jaoy buyawan? Uman tala?"
hehehe amo man. what's the purpose of exploring? further mining... and what will be done during exploration? syempre kinabutay...
diri sab sa may kinabutan bridge, dapat tutukan jaon severe quarrying. sa kuman hinuon bagan ya namay ako hingkit-an. kay bagan nagkalapad na an suba tungod sa pagpangatumpag nan pangpang.
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