Businessmen are proposing that proposed changes in the Mining Act be done through its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) as the review focuses on the enhancement of environmental protection and safety measures.
Donald Dee, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said they are going to meet with the Chamber of Mines within the week to come up with a common position.
Dee explained it would be easier if such changes are done through the IRR instead of repealing the law through Congressional action.
House Speaker Jose de Venecia said last month that he will ask the Lower House’s committee on environment and natural resources to look at the possible amendment of provisions in the law.
De Venecia said the review will take 30 days but any amendment to the law may take more than because it has to be deliberated by both houses of Congress.
An amendment to the law would entail a longer time unlike if the changes are done via the IRR, which involves government agencies, the industry players, and other concerned sectors.
The business community also believes that the Mining Act is already strict enough as far as preserving the ecology and environment of this country and its IRR is even stricter.
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