In the wake of heavy flooding and landslides in Northern Luzon, Malacañang called on Saturday for a review of environmental laws, including policies on mining and logging.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde certified as urgent the review of the laws, which he said, should be enforced strictly and firmly to protect the environment and people’s lives.

He said the Palace is “definitely” bent on reviewing policies on logging and mining after landslides and flooding were recorded in several provinces battered by typhoon “Pepeng.”

“These are some of the painful lessons... we have learned and we should ensure stricter and firmer implementation of the laws related to environment and regulations that tend to affect the safety of these areas,” he said.

Earlier, Malacañang also ordered the Department of Environment of Natural Resources (DENR) to review the issuance of environmental compliance certificates in flood-prone areas after several subdivisions in Metro Manila submerged in water during the onslaught of tropical storm “Ondoy” last week.