Malacañang expressed assurance today that the report and recommendations of the Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission on the mining operations of Lafayette Philippines Inc. (LPI) on Rapu-Rapu Island in Albay will be reviewed and considered.

At the same time, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye reiterated the government’s commitment to support responsible mining operations as a means of propelling the country’s economic growth.

"We thank the Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission for its work and assure the public that its report will be carefully reviewed and considered," Bunye said in a statement.

In the same statement, Bunye stressed that "mining remains a priority area for development" of the Arroyo administration.

"Our country is blessed as one of the most highly mineralized countries in the world. It would be a disservice to our people if our mineral potential is not realized as this is clearly a source of employment and development," he said.

The Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission was created by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last March under Executive Order No. 145 to "investigate the effects of the mining operations of Lafayette Philippines Inc. on people’s health and environmental safety" in Rapu-Rapu.

The commission, chaired by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, submitted its report to the President on Friday.

Among other recommendations, the commission called for a moratorium on mining and suspension of Minerals Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) on Rapu-Rapu island "pending scientific and experts’ favorable resolution of the issue of ecological conservation.

"The report also recommended a review of the Mining Act of 1995 or Republic Act 7942, particularly the provisions on "the ownership and management of mining firms and operations."

In reiterating Malacañang’s support for responsible mining, Bunye said "a ban on mining is not the answer but the standards and safeguards already in place and existing laws must be strictly enforced."

Earlier, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority Director General Romulo Neri said the government could derive huge benefits from the lucrative mining sector, particularly in terms of more foreign investments, additional jobs and poverty reduction in rural areas where there are mining operations. (www.gov.ph)

May 20, 2006