Environmental and human rights organizations have declared President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration an “absolute failure” in addressing the intertwined issues of mining, human rights violations, and environmental degradation halfway into his term.
In a joint statement ahead of the president’s fourth State of the Nation Address, dozens of civil society groups accused the Marcos administration of favoring corporate mining interests at the expense of communities and ecosystems.
They cited the aggressive promotion of mining since Marcos assumed office, criticizing his justification of mineral extraction as necessary for post-pandemic economic recovery and the transition to renewable energy.
The groups said this narrative merely echoes the messaging of mining corporations and serves foreign overconsumption, rather than supporting the Philippines’ own sustainable energy shift.
They underscored that mining remains a minor contributor to the national economy and warned that the recently passed Mining Fiscal Regime Law will further reduce potential government revenues while enriching political elites with mining stakes.
Environmental defenders highlighted worsening pollution, biodiversity loss, and increased flooding in mining areas, attributing these to lax regulation and destructive practices.
They also reported that human rights abuses—such as threats, harassment, and killings of environmental defenders—have persisted.
Particular concern was raised over the expansion of seabed quarrying and offshore mining. According to the groups, such operations—often carried out under the guise of river dredging—have damaged marine habitats and undermined coastal livelihoods.
The statement also accused political dynasties, including President Marcos’s cousin House Speaker Martin Romualdez, of leveraging their positions to advance legislation and investments favorable to mining firms.
The signatories claim these developments have deepened inequalities and perpetuated environmental destruction.
Calling the situation “unacceptable,” the groups urged the public to resist destructive mining practices and demand accountability from national leaders for upholding environmental and human rights protections.
