Toledo calls for predictable government mining policies
October 28, 2026
CHAMBER of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) Chairman Michael T. Toledo has called for reliable, responsible mineral production alongside predictable regulatory frameworks to safeguard investments while protecting ecosystems and host communities.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 International Mining Conference and Exhibition in Pasay City, Toledo emphasized the dual imperative of sustaining global development through mining while strictly adhering to environmental and social safeguards.
“The demand for minerals is unquestionable… But extracting them has consequences,” Toledo said. “We cannot responsibly mine without limits. But neither is it realistic to imagine a world that can meet its development needs without mining.”
Toledo lauded the Marcos administration for balancing economic goals with regulatory oversight, highlighting key policy initiatives driving the sector forward like Republic Act 12253 that establishes an enhanced fiscal regime for large-scale metallic mining and Executive Order 122 that outlines a strategic focus on critical minerals development.
In addition, Toledo said that the Critical Minerals Development Roadmap that streamlines and digitizes permitting while tightening environmental and social checks has been adopted.
Toledo stressed that a stable investment climate hinges on consistency. “Investors need predictable rules. Communities need protection, meaningful participation, and tangible benefits,” he noted, adding that the Philippines must aim to become a reliable producer that attracts capital through credible environmental standards—not just raw resource availability.
Demonstrating the industry’s commitment to accountability, Toledo highlighted two mandatory frameworks for COMP members:
Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM): Adopted in 2017, this framework mandates that operating members measure performance, report publicly, and undergo independent external verification.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI): Ensures global transparency standards in revenue management and provides public visibility into how mineral wealth aids national development.
Toledo concluded by stating that public confidence in the sector must be earned daily through mine-site performance and open engagement across government, industry, civil society, and local leaders.
“What we owe one another is an honest assessment of the choices before us, the consequences they carry, and the standards by which our decisions should be judged,” he said.
Source: Business Mirror