Politics · Philippines Bureau
Marcos minerals order risks 'wholesale surrender' of Philippine ore wealth
A congressional representative has criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s new executive order on critical minerals development, warning it could cede the country's mineral resources to foreign interests and displace local farming communities.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — ACT Teachers Party Representative Antonio Tinio has raised concerns about Executive Order No. 122, which establishes a framework for developing the Philippines' critical minerals sector, characterizing it as a "wholesale surrender" of the nation's ore wealth to foreign entities.
In a statement released Sunday, Tinio warned that the executive order poses risks to local communities, potentially triggering "massive displacement" of farmers from their lands. The critical minerals framework, signed by President Marcos, is intended to streamline development of the sector, which has been identified as strategically important for global manufacturing and technology industries.
The congressman's critique reflects ongoing tensions over resource management policies in the Philippines, where environmental protection and indigenous rights advocates have frequently clashed with mineral extraction interests. EO 122 represents the administration's latest move to facilitate investment and development in the extractive industries sector.
The executive order is expected to impact mining operations and investment policies across the archipelago, though full implementation details remain subject to regulatory development by relevant government agencies.