This refers to the news article “Gina’s order favored family business” published in your paper on March 16. It quoted Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as saying that First Balfour was a “sacred cow.”
The story contained erroneous details, which could have been avoided if DENR Secretary Gina Lopez had the chance to refute the allegations therein before its publication.
Our records show that First Balfour or any name under which it operates has secured neither a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement nor an Environmental Compliance Certificate from the DENR for any quarry in Lobo, Batangas. Hence, First Balfour was not operational and will not be operational in the near future for lack of a permit. The exclusion did not allow First Balfour to operate a quarry so there was no conflict of interest in this situation. Nevertheless, the DENR is committed to stop illegal operations reported to it, but the article says there were no such operations seen.
Moreover, the DENR is currently considering draft guidelines for the Environmental Impact Statement System that treats quarries in the same river system through a programmatic impact assessment that looks at cumulative data. It intends to ensure that the provincial governments granting quarry permits for quarries covering five hectares and below are aware of the available volumes and replenishment rates so that they do not grant permits in excess of what can safely be taken. The exclusion was intended to be issued together with the new guidelines but national infrastructure projects are in constant need of supply, and the new rules still requires consultations before issuance.
MARLO MENDOZA
Undersecretary for Policy and Planning
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
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(The newsdesk stands by the story.)
