President Rodrigo Duterte once again castigated the mining industry during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.
The President issued his ultimatum to irresponsible miners: “To the mining industry, I say this once again, and maybe for the last time: Do not destroy the environment or compromise our resources.”
“Repair what you have mismanaged. Try to change management radically because this time, you’ll have restrictive policies, the prohibition of open-pit mining is one. It is destroying my country, the environment it will destroy the world of tomorrow,” he said during his Sona before a joint session of Congress at Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
Duterte even dared abusive miners to come and visit some of the rivers which have turned black due to pollution caused by irresponsible mining.
“You want to see it? I can invite you to see it in Walwal… And I’m sure you will puke with what has happened to our country,” he said.
The President was referring to destruction at the Mt. Diwalwal gold mining site in Compostela Valley.
“Expect reforms, radical ones, I do not intend to quarrel with anybody but for as long as I am here, you will just have to contend with me,” he warned.
Mt. Diwalwal INQUIRER FILE PHOTO