DENR to file case vs Marcopper

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is planning to file a case against Marcopper Mining Corp. for the lingering effects of the disastrous 1996 spillage at its site in Marinduque, Environment Secretary Gina Lopez said Monday.

This as she returned to abandoned mining sites in the province to ensure that her rehabilitation plans would push through whether her appointment is confirmed or not.

The Commission on Appointments (CA) is set to decide on her confirmation on May 2.

During her visit, Lopez introduced government officials that affected residents should approach if they would need help in rehabilitating mined out areas. She also talked to a representative of Consolidated Minings Inc. to secure a pledge to rehabilitate the site.

The environment chief said the department would file a case against Marcopper, not only for the remaining ecological damage, but also for the remaining effects of the 1996 spillage on residents.

Those affected include 78 children afflicted with brain damage.

"What I'm gonna do as DENR secretary is to make sure that money is downloaded. I'm gonna issue show cause order. Seventy-eight children with brain disease, Diyos ko naman di ba?" said Lopez.

The 1996 Marcopper incident, where mine tailings from a drainage tunnel spilled into the Boac river, remains to be the worst mining disaster in the country.

Lopez could not say what will happen at her scheduled confirmation hearing, as some members of the CA have family interest in mining. Lopez, who has initiated a fierce campaign against destructive mining practices, is up against opposition from the mining industry.

She said she would lay down various policies and do whatever she can with the remaining time she has before the hearing.

"So since we do not know what's gonna happen, and while I'm still cabinet secretary, I want the world to see what's happening so we can put a stop to it," said Lopez.

"It cannot stop because one person is out. No matter what happens, it should go on."

Meanwhile, Lopez stood by her disagreement with the way tourism in Boracay, one of the country's most popular beach destinations, is being handled. This after some residents of the island reacted negatively to her statement last week.

Lopez plans to send a team to Boracay to coordinate with hotel operators for an area development project to ensure that the poorer sector in the region will also benefit from the tourism industry.