SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN’S WITHDRAWAL OF SUPPORT TO OCEANA GOLD  - A WELCOME MOVE

In a dramatic expression of triumph to a proposed Resolution filed by Sr. Board Member Edu Balgos, a group of Peoples Organizations and a large sector of civil society groups came in strong force all the way from Kasibu and Quezon, this province, displaying posters of support and sentiments against mining in the province.

The proposed Resolution “Withdrawing Support and Favorable Endorsement of the Didipio Copper-Gold Mining Project Ran by Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. Over the Territorial Jurisdiction of Barangay Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya” was passed on second reading through a Motion introduced by Board Member  Merlie Talingdan and the proponent, BM Edu Balgos by a vote of 7-4, one (1) abstention and one (1) absence.  The passage however, came only after a lengthy deliberation on matters of technicalities, propriety of the first reading committee report, amendments to the proposed resolution and technical boundaries of Didipio, among others.

Board Member Patricio Dumlao, Jr. on the onset raised issues on rules of procedures and time frames questioning in the process the committee report during the first hearing. 

Likewise, intercalation on the “whereas” provision of the proposed resolution was also questioned but according to BM Talingdan, as  Chairman of the Committee on Environment she deemed it a wise and usual action.

The issue on the technical description of Didipio said to be outside the jurisdiction of Kasibu based on the technical description map from the Provincial Planning and Development Office was also brought up eliciting comment from BM Efren Quiben.  He said that issues subject to interpellation should not be digressed and instead should be fixed to issues on hand.  He further accentuated however, that there is no such Didipio, Quirino as what some wanted to believe.

In another instance, BM Reina Nita Tidang wish to be convinced why there is a need to withdraw support to the mining firm.  BM Balgos narrated social, civil, human and environmental violations committed by Oceana

Gold drawing applause from the gallery when he said “because of these violations and in order to defend the people of Nueva Vizcaya.”

What almost dodged the proceedings was a motion to defer the hearing to clear issues on jurisdiction and when deliberation surpassed the 12:00 o’clock adjournment, but was outvoted on the floor.

In all instances however, unresolved arguments were adroitly ruled by the Presiding Officer, Vice Governor Jose Gambito, hastening the proceedings.

Voting for the Resolution to withdraw support to the mining firm were Board Members Balgos, Talingdan Quiben, Afan, Dupiano, Angie Burton of the SK Federation and Amado Mangaoang of the Liga ng mga Barangay. Voting against are Board Members Patricio Dumlao, Tidang, Perez, Maybelle Dumlao while James Toledo of the Councilor’s League abstained.#nequita castro