By Luisa Cabato | INQINQUIRER.net | October 22, 2025

President Ferdinand Marcos. SCREENSHOT FROM BONGBONG MARCOS YOUTUBE ACCOUNT

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said irresponsible mining will not be tolerated under his administration.

Speaking at the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025: International Conference and Exhibition in Taguig City, Marcos said his administration has implemented measures to promote sustainable mining while ensuring the protection of both the environment and the people.

“Irresponsible mining has no place in our nation. We will strictly enforce the laws against practices that destroy forests, that poison rivers, that endanger lives. Mining should build communities, not burden them,” he said.

“Regarding the revenues from mining, it must bring tangible benefits to the people. The wealth from our soil should translate into schools for our children, hospitals for families, and roads that link people with opportunities,” he added.

The president also noted that the government is strengthening transparency and accountability in the mining sector, saying Filipinos deserve to know how their natural resources are managed.

“Sustainability, after all, is measured by how many lives we uplift and how faithfully we guard the blessings of our land for generations to come,” he added.

Two key mining reforms adopted by the government are the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act and the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act.

During the ceremony, Marcos officially opened the Mining Philippines 2025: International Conference and Exhibition, alongside the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

With the theme “From Policy to Progress: Driving Mining Through Innovation and Investment,” the two-day conference gathered industry leaders to share insights, present solutions, and collaborate on shaping the future of mining in the Philippines and beyond.

Source: Inquirer.Net