Press statement of Sen. Jamby Madrigal

In response to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) pastoral letter for the repeal of the Mining Act, I am filing in the Senate today a bill repealing Republic Act, 7942, otherwise known as the Mining Act of 1995.

Our countrys environment remains in a most dangerous condition due to the present administrations policy of opening up our countrys last remaining natural resources to wholesale exploitation by transnational mining corporations. This must be stopped now.

We can no longer remain apathetic as our national patrimony continues to be plundered for the benefit of a few, whilst, our indigenous brothers and sisters are robbed of their ancestral domains, and as our air, water and soil are poisoned.

The right to life of every Filipino is being threatened. I am relieved that, the CBCP has declared the Mining Act of 1995 as anti-life. Last January 26, 2006, I sent a letter to CBCP President Archbishop Lagdameo asking them to fight for the environment. The Church has responded to our call, it is now up to all Filipinos to join the fight for life.