The President said the government would check the entry of mining firms in the country, adding that only ecology friendly companies would be allowed to do business here.

"We will never prefer profit over a sound environment," she said during a luncheon with local and international rescue teams involved in search and rescue operations in St. Bernard.

"We will only consider mining investments which commit to faithfully abide by stringent policies to keep our rivers and ecosystems clean and safe and violators shall be dealt with heavily," she said.

Although the Southern Leyte landslide was not triggered by irresponsible mining operations, the President said the tragedy was a wake up call for a comprehensive response among the government, local communities, the Church, the business sector, academe, and local governments to protect the country’s natural resources.

The President has sought another dialogue with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for a partnership in various antipoverty programs, including responsible mining.

Mrs. Arroyo has met several Catholic bishops and reportedly conceded to their request to review the country’s mining law that was allegedly destroying the environment. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)