President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that the administration will not tolerate any “destructive” mining practices, stressing there is no room for irresponsible operations in the country.
In his keynote address at the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition in Taguig City, Marcos emphasized stricter law enforcement to protect the environment from reckless mining.
“Irresponsible mining has no place in our nation. We will strictly enforce the laws against practices that destroy forests, poison rivers, and endanger lives,” he said. “Mining should build communities, not burden them.”
The President said that while the Philippines holds vast reserves of minerals crucial to the global clean energy transition, economic progress must never come at the expense of people or the planet.
He said the administration’s goal is to make mining a pillar of inclusive development—one that powers the nation’s growth while uplifting local communities and protecting ecosystems.
“The wealth from our soil should translate into schools for our children, hospitals for families, and roads that link people with opportunities,” Marcos said.
“The Filipino people deserve to know how their resources are being managed, for these are their treasures as much as they are the nation’s,” he added.
President Marcos reaffirmed his support for industry reforms that promote transparency and sustainability. He cited the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, which creates a fair and consistent taxation framework, and the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act, which ensures that the country’s natural resources are properly measured and managed.
He also praised the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines for implementing the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) program, a global standard for responsible industry practices, calling it proof that economic growth and environmental protection can coexist.
“We must continue to attract investors who share our values, those who respect our laws, our people, and our environment,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Marcos lauded the mining industry for advancing responsible practices, saying that irresponsible operations have no place in the Philippines.
Speaking at the same event organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) at the Grand Hyatt Manila, he vowed strict enforcement of environmental laws against activities that destroy forests, poison rivers, and endanger lives.
“Mining should build communities, not burden them,” he said, adding that the country’s resources have provided livelihoods and shaped communities throughout the years.
Marcos is the second Philippine president after Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to openly express support for the mining industry, recognizing its significant role in economic growth.
“Minerals are vital to electric vehicles, batteries, and new technologies that promote clean energy. This potential is both a blessing and a responsibility. We are offered the chance to help power the global green transition and ensure that progress uplifts every Filipino, especially those living near mining communities,” he said.
Marcos said the conference came at a critical time to address how the Philippines can become a reliable source of critical minerals, fuel regional industrialization, create lasting jobs, and attract responsible investments.
He urged participants to define a future where economic growth and social responsibility move in step.
In his remarks, Marcos praised COMP’s adoption of the TSM program—a global benchmark for environmental, social, and governance standards—calling it proof that responsible mining is achievable.
“The Philippines stands proud as the first in Asia to implement this program, joining countries like Canada and Australia in upholding ethical practice,” he said.
He also cited the industry’s engagement with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which ensures that mining revenues are properly managed and benefit local communities.
“My administration shares your vision of a responsible, inclusive, and climate-resilient mining industry,” Marcos said, stressing the need for operations consistent with the country’s environmental
commitments, including the Paris Agreement and the Philippine Energy Plan.
He emphasized that mining revenues must yield tangible results for Filipinos, saying that the country’s mineral wealth should translate to real progress for communities and future generations.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated.
