Palace Defends US Mineral Deal Amid Environmental, Community Safeguard Concerns

MALACAÑANG on Monday said the proposed Pax Silica framework agreement between the Philippines and the US would comply with Philippine laws and include safeguards for the environment and affected communities, amid criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups. “The President and this administration have done nothing to provoke war,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing in Filipino. “The President ensures that everything done will be in accordance with the law and will not damage our environment or displace our fellow citizens without any compensation.” The Bases Conversion and Development Authority expects to sign the framework agreement in November. Critics have warned the deal could deepen US-China tensions, lead to foreign control of critical minerals, harm the environment and displace communities. Ms. Castro said the National Water Resources Board had determined that water resources in the project area are sufficient and would not affect local supply. She added that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources would require an environmental impact statement, an environmental management plan and regular monitoring. She also said the government would ensure displaced farmers do not lose their livelihoods and reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s position that the country would not surrender “even a square inch” of its territory to any foreign power. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking