SC Reversal on Mining Act is Treason: KPNE

PRESS RELEASE/December 1, 2004
Reference: Clemente Bautista, 09185539682

The Supreme Court reversal on Mining Act is Treason, PGMA's hand seen in court's decision.

The Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (KPNE) charged as "treason" the act of Supreme Court justices who voted to reverse the court's earlier decision on the constitutionality of the Philippine Mining Act. It also hit the SC for being blind to the fact that nowhere in R.A. 7942 as well as in existing mining agreements of the government with foreign mining firms is it guaranteed that the government retains control of mining operations as mandated by the Constitution.

"The SC acted in blind haste, most probably succumbing to the treasonous agenda of the Arroyo government to sell-out our mineral resources to rapacious foreign transnational mining firms in a desperate move to revive a moribund industry whose collapse is directly the result of an anti-Filipino mining policy of a pro-mining TNC government," Clemente Bautista, KPNE National Coordinator, said.

"This only goes to show that we cannot rely on this government to even uphold the remaining nationalist provisions of our Constitution. This government is totally bereft of a moral authority to govern for and in behalf of the Filipino people," he added.

Bautista said that the SC decision appears to be in line with the latest moves of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in lowering the initial capital requirements for Foreign Technical and Assistance Agreements from $50 million to $4 million.

Gerardo Gobrin of the Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan sa Pilipinas (KAMP) stressed that not only will the SC decision result into a flood of mining TNC operations in the country but in human rights violations against indigenous peoples and peasant settlers, where most mining applications are located, as well.

The KPNE also warned of more devastating natural disasters like flashfloods and landslides once the government's thrust to revitalize a liberalized mining industry as a result of the SC decision takes full swing. Bautista, however, warned the government, saying the people will not take this sitting down. "As the government and the elite in the mining industry and mining TNCs celebrate, they might as well brace for a stronger resistance from an enlightened citizenry who have had enough of the duplicitous and treasonous agenda of the government."

5th Chapter Assembly Held: New Set of Officers Elected

The All U.P. Workers Union, Manila Chapter succesfully held its 5th Chapter Assembly on November 26, 2004 at 8:00 - 1:00 PM at the UP Manila Social Hall, 8/F PGH Central Block Bldg. This year's theme was aptly titled: "Papaigting na pakikibaka para sa sahod, benepisyo at karapatan sa harap ng papatinding krisis." It was attended by 107 members, the most attended so far in the history of the chapter.

Keynote speaker for this year's triennial assembly was Dr. Gene Nisperos, Secretary General of the Health Alliance for Democracy. Dr. Nisperos presented a lively analysis of the national political and health situation. His crisp delivery and witty anecdotes were received well by the audience.

The Keynote speech was followed by the three (3) year Accomplishment Report by Mr. Jossel Ebesate, Chapter President who concurrently is also the National P.R.O. of the union. It was followed by the 3 year Treasurer's Report from Mr. Edgardo Enagan.

Mr. Clodualdo "Buboy" Cabrera, National President also came with a coterie of National and U.P. Diliman chapter officers, and delivered a brief message.

The election of a new set of officers (CY 2005 - 2007) was held through viva voce presided over by the Search and Election Committee headed by Mr. Eliseo Estropigan. Those elected for a 3 year term of office (with their respective position in the hospital/university) are as follows:

President - Jossel Ebesate, Nurse IV, DNRD, PGH
Vice President - Jesusa Besido, Administrative Officer IV, UPCM
Secretary - Rosamond Mary Olivar, Nurse II, LCB 1 4/F, PGH
Treasurer - Edgardo Enagan, Utility Worker IV, CVS, PGH
Auditor - Belinda Jubilo-Santos, Social Welfare Officer IV, MSSD, PGH
Public Relations Officer - Benjamin Santos, Utility Worker IV, Ward 12, PGH
Board of Director Members: Erlinda Bilog, Clerk IV, UPCN,
Freddie Waje, Student's Record Evaluator, CPH and;
Ma. Corazon Brito, Clerk IV, University Library.

The assembly also adopted that all newly elected and outgoing officers and the current unit representative committee chairs as the official delegates of the chapter to the 5th General assembly which will be held on December 3, 2004 (whole day) at Bulwagang Tandang Sora, College of Social Work and Community Development, U.P. Diliman. The chapter was entitled to 46 delegates based on June 2004 membership of 1,225.

The chapter assembly was capped by a simple but delectable lunch catered by the PGH Dietary Department.