Philex gets more time to appeal P1-billion fine

MANILA, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has granted the request of Philex Mining Corp. (PMC) for a seven-day extension for the filing of comment to the P1.034 billion fine imposed by the bureau for the tailings spill in its copper-gold mine in Padcal, Benguet.

In a letter addressed to PMC president Eulalio Austin Jr. yesterday, MGB Director Leo Jasareno said the company has until Oct. 10 to file its comments.

“In consideration of the reasons stated in the said Oct. 2, 2012 letter, this office hereby grants the aforesaid request,” said Jasareno in the letter.

Philex Mining Corp. (PMC) has asked the Mines and Gesciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Envrionment and Natural Resources (DENR) for a seven-day extension for the filing of comment to the P1.034 billion fine imposed by the bureau for the tailings spill in its copper-gold mine in Padcal, Benguet.

MGB director Leo Jasareno yesterday said he received the letter from PMC on Tuesday, the day when the original seven-day deadline for its official response was due.

This was confirmed by PMC spokesperson Mike Toledo.

Jasareno said Philex wants to conduct further studies on the fine and collect supporting documents for its argument.

Toledo earlier said that the company will contest the fine because it is not willing to pay for damages caused by force majeur. PMC, however, is willing to pay for the cost of cleanup and rehabilitation as well as damages to families affected by the spill.

The MGB will deliberate on the request and would immediately inform the company of its response.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has also fined PMC P50,000 for violation of a provision of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) contract.