Mindoro Gov. Umali: Governor's League has no common stand on mining

MAASIN CITY, Philippines — Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali Jr., the guest speaker during the 52nd founding anniversary here last July 1, said the different provinces in the country have different positions with regards to mining.

“For me, I am against mining, as do Gov. Mercado here, but other provinces allow that,” Umali said during an ambush interview right after the ceremonies, according to a PIA-8 report.

Umali, who is also the President of the Governors League of the Philippines, said as a group, “the league has no definite, unified position on the issue, leaving it to the discretion of their colleagues.”

Told that based on latest reports President Benigno Aquino III is presently finalizing details of an executive order that would serve as the implementing rules for the conduct of the mining industry in the country, Umali admitted the League had contributed inputs to this forthcoming EO. He did not elaborate.

In his message, Umali called for unity of purpose in any objective especially in pushing for development, be it for the country or for the province.

He cited as example the case of Germany during his last visit there when he learned that planning for development can be envisioned for 10 years, 20 years, even 100 years without changing despite the constant change in political leadership.

Gov. Damian Mercado introduced Umali as the day’s speaker, while Rep. Roger Mercado acknowledged him as a former peer in the House of Representatives. - THE FREEMAN