Bantay Kita is a newly formed network advocating for transparency in the extractive, particularly the mining industry. It is composed of organizations engaging the mining industry on their adverse effects on communities and the environment, and economic and governance policy research and reform organizations.
The lack of transparency that pervades mining ventures has hindered people’s organizations and concerned citizens from holding the government and mining companies accountable for damages and or the absence of development results from these projects.
Current policy on mining has not brought promised benefits to the Filipino people.
• Implementation of the mining law has been fraught with lack of transparency and numerous examples of poor governance.
• The FPIC process has, too often, served to misinform indigenous communities on the effects of mining projects.
• Instead of improved livelihoods and progress, mining has brought displacement and economic injustice to the so-called ‘host’ communities.
• Watersheds and forests have been encroached upon, endangering the health and welfare of both upland and surrounding downstream communities.
• Compared to the devastation caused by mining projects in their jurisdictions, local government revenue gains are too miniscule to be felt.
• The industry is plagued with under-declaration, tax avoidance and tax evasion. From 2000-2009, the under-collection of excise taxes was 65.5%.
• Among the many defects of the Mining Act of 1995, is that it contains provisions that do not allow the national government to get a fair share of mining revenues.
The Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center calls on President Aquino to stop the cycle of violence in ancestral domains and rural communities by taking back his approval of the military proposal of mining firms funding and organizing their own Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) units to secure their operations. It is the indigenous peoples and rural communities that are in dire need of protection from violence and attacks, not mining corporations.
By Abp. Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI, DD | Monday| October 17, 2011 | Filed under: Fr. Fausto Tentorio, Mindaviews
BANGKOK (MindaNews/17 October) — I have no hesitation to call Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME, as a martyr for justice and peace. He is a worthy member of that noble line of martyrs in the Church in Mindanao who in their lives advocated causes that would help create a more just, a more peaceful, a more loving society. Such causes are for the poor like the indigenous peoples as well as for the integrity of creation. (More… )
Comments regarding the suggested Bantay Kita logo are welcome as are alternative logo designs.
Bantay Kita Statement on EITI
"The lack of transparency that pervades mining ventures has hindered people’s organizations and concerned citizens from holding the government and mining companies accountable for damages and or the absence of development results from these projects..."
