Robredo returns fire at SoCot brass: Uphold the rule of law!

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Jesse Robredo in his visit to General Santos City last week reminded the South Cotabato provincial government to uphold the rule of law after the DILG secretary received flak for a memorandum he recently issued which calls for a review of the province’s environmental code.
“Let me clarify that the DILG is not pro or anti mining. But it is our responsibility to ensure that national and local laws are consistent,” said the DILG secretary.
Robredo, an acknowledged expert on local government laws was referring to the South Cotabato environment code which contradicts the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 when the former banned “open pit mining” in the entire province.
“The issue here is to follow the rule of law,” Robredo stressed. The secretary also pointed out that his department is tasked to make sure that local governments do not overstep authority.
Robredo also reminded the province that the DILG has been consistent in enforcing the rule of law when it comes to guiding local governments on what they can and cannot do. Early this year, the department also issued a memorandum stopping Cavite and Laguna LGUs from enforcing the “passing through fees” which the department ruled as beyond the powers or authority of local governments to enact. “Passing through fees” is a local ordinance taxing trucks entering Cavite or Laguna.
“We are requesting the South Cotabato provincial government to revisit their environmental code. Our national policy is responsible mining and we cannot ban mining outright,” adds the secretary.
The secretary also assured the province that he also shares the concern on how the mining industry can have an impact on the environment.
“We will settle this in a dialogue. I was told that the province is very much willing to sit and discuss how we can align the code with the national policy. It will be contrary to the interests of all if local and national policies and laws are not consistent,” Robredo explained.
“Government will ensure that mining in the province will be responsible and sustainable,” the secretary assured.

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