Bills pending for ‘mining-free’ Eastern Visayas provinces

TACLOBAN CITY — Two bills making two provinces in Eastern Visayas “mining-free zones” were approved by the House of Representatives’ committee on natural resources last week.

Approved on May 23 by the committee, chaired by Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco Matugas, were House Bill No. 5898 authored by Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone and HB 5855 authored by Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado.

The two bills would be sent to plenary.

Evardone, in a text message on Monday, said he was elated that the committee on environment and natural resources finally approved his bill. He also expressed hope that it would eventually become law.

“I am encouraged by the decision of the committee on environment and natural resources approving my bill. After this, the bill will now be presented before the plenary for (debate and approval),” the Eastern Samar lawmaker said.

According to Evardone, he was working for the approval of his bill since mining activities have proliferated in Samar.

Mining companies are operating in several towns of Eastern Samar, including the historic island of Homonhon, which is rich in nickel and chromite. /inquirer