MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte claimed on Monday that some mining firms were funding opposition to his administration.
The statement could put the government in a direct clash with the mining industry, which has put up stiff opposition to the president’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
In a press conference in Malacañang, Duterte broached the idea of a total mining ban as he criticized the industry because of the extent of environmental destruction it had wrought.
Duterte said the some mining companies were funding “the other side” which was out to destabilize his government.
“Kayong mga mining, I know that you are funding the opposite side. Alam ko na ngayon kung sino gumagastos sa kanila. I know that some of you are giving funding to the other side to destabilize me,” Duterte said in a long-winding press briefing.
He added that it was up to the military and the police to support these attempts or not.
Several government officials and allies have in recent days used the destabilization narrative after groups had criticized some Duterte allies.
During the confirmation hearing of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, several lawmakers criticized him for saying that people thwarting his confirmation were out to destabilize the government.
A congressional panel eventually rejected his appointment for his failure to disclose details of his citizenship. He had initially denied being issued a US passport or that he had been given American citizenship but later admitted that he pledged allegiance to the US in the 1980s.
Sandra Cam, an ally of Duterte, also sang the same tune in response topublic outcry over her alleged uncouth behavior at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for the failure of a VIP lounge employee to recognize her.
Total mining ban?
Duterte also opened the idea that the government might impose a total mining ban in the country after he showed pictures of environmental destruction caused by mining.
“Maybe it will be worth the while of Gina (Lopez) to reimpose the ban. Total [mining ban] muna tayo tapos mag-usap, dito magprangka-prangkahan tayo,” the president said.
He also expressed his support for the embattled head of the DENR.
“Is Gina a liar? No,” he declared.
“How can you argue with Gina if she’s presenting you with a visual thing? So kami ditto it appalls us,” he said.
Duterte said that the P70 billion in revenues the mining industry brought to the country was not enough considering the extent of environmental damage it had caused.
“What can your P70 billion do to our country? Nothing,” he said.
He also challenged the mining industry to show some redeeming qualities for him to reconsider the appointment of Lopez.
The chief executive hinted that the mining industry might be supporting opposition to his government to install someone whom they could control.
“So kayo kung mag-lobby lang kayo na mining diyan o gumastos kayo gusto ninyo ako ng presidente na paluhurin ninyo to do your bidding. We have to talk to the mining people,” he said.