e102 republic vs marcopper

8/18/2019 E102 Republic vs Marcopper

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FACTS:

Respondent MMC was issued a temporary permit to operate a tailings sea disposal system. In the

meantime, the National Pollution Control Commission (NPCC) was abolished by EO No. !"

dated #une $, !%&, and its powers and 'untions were integrated into the Enironmental

Management *ureau and into the Pollution +dudiation *oard (P+*).

On +pril , !%%, the -ENR eretary, in his apaity as Chairman o' the P+*, issued an Order

direting MMC to /ease and desist 'rom disharging mine tailings into Calanan *ay./ 0his

was appealed by the MMC with the O''ie o' the President (OP).

In line with the diretie 'rom the OP, the Calanan *ay Rehabilitation Proet (C*RP) was

reated, and MMC remitted the amount o' P1$,$$$.$$ a day, starting 'rom May 1, !%% to the

Eology 0rust 2und (E02) thereo'. 3oweer, on #une 1$, !!, MMC stopped disharging its

tailings in the *ay, hene, it li4ewise eased 'rom ma4ing 'urther deposits to the E02.

0he P+* sought 'or the en'orement o' the order issued by the OP, howeer, the C+ ated on

Maropper5s petition and ordered the P+* to re'rain and desist 'rom en'oring a'oresaid Order.

3ene, the instant petition.

ISSUE:

0he Court o' +ppeals erred in ruling that Republi +t No. &!6" repealed the proisions o'

Republi +t No. 1!1, as amended by Presidential -eree No. !%6, with respet to the power

and 'untion o' petitioner Pollution +dudiation *oard to issue, renew or deny permits 'or the

disharge o' the mine tailings.

HELD:

0he C held that the C+ erred in ruling that the P+* had no authority to issue the Order 'rom the

0he ruling o' the Court o' +ppeals that the P+* has been diested o' authority to at on

pollution7related matters in mining operations is anhored on the proisions o' R+ &!6"

(Philippine Mining +t o' !!8). 3oweer, etion ! o' EO !" ested the P+* with thespei'i power to adudiate pollution ases in general. e. ", par. (a) o' P- !%6 de'ines the

term /pollution/ as re'erring to any alteration o' the physial, hemial and biologial properties

o' any water, air and9or land resoures o' the Philippines , or any disharge thereto o' any li:uid,

gaseous or solid wastes as will or is li4ely to reate a harm'ul enironment.

On the other hand, the authority o' the mines regional diretor is omplementary to that o' the

P+*. ;hile the mines regional diretor has e


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mining operations and installations, it has no adudiatie powers oer omplaints 'or iolation

o' pollution ontrol statutes and regulations. Contrary to the ruling o' the C+, R+ &!6" does not

est :uasi7udiial powers in the Mines Regional -iretor. 0he authority is ested and remains

with the P+*. Neither was suh authority on'erred upon the Panel o' +rbitrators and the Mines

+dudiation *oard whih were reated by the said law. 0he sope o' authority o' the Panel o'

+rbitrators and the Mines +dudiation *oard on'erred by R+ &!6" learly e


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THIRD DIVISION

[G.R. No. 137174. July 10, 2000]

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, R!"#$%& 'y %( POLLUTION

)*JU*IC)TION BO)R* +*ENR, petitioner, vs. -)RCOPPER-INING CORPOR)TION, respondent.

* E C I S I O N

GON)G)/REES, J .

In this petition for review on certiorari, petitioner REPUBLIC O THE PHILIPPINESthro!"h the Po##!tion $%&!%ication Boar% of the Depart'ent of Environ'ent an% Nat!ra#Reso!rces see(s to ann!# the Decision i)*+ of the Co!rt of $ppea#s ii)+ in C$-./R/ SP No/00121 settin" asi%e the Or%er iii)3+ of the Po##!tion $%&!%ication Boar% iv)0+ in DENR-P$BCase No/ 40-44256-517 as we## as the Reso#!tion v)2+ %en8in" reconsi%eration of sai%

Decision/

The fo##owin" antece%ent facts are !n%isp!te%9

Respon%ent :arcopper :inin" Corporation ;::C< was iss!e% a te'porar8 per'itto operate a tai#in"svi)1+ sea %isposa# s8ste' !n%er TPO No/ PO=->2-020-E? for theperio% Octo@er 3*, *5>2 to Octo@er *, *5>1/ Before it eApire%, ::C fi#e% anapp#ication for the renewa# thereof with the Nationa# Po##!tion Contro# Co''ission;NPCC


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:eanwhi#e, after the eApiration of ::Cs TPO No/ PO=->2-020-E? on Octo@er *,*5>1, the NPCC iss!e% to ::C a new te'porar8 per'it, TPO No/ PO=->1-020-E?%ate% Nove'@er **, *5>1, to eApire on e@r!ar8 *4, *5>6, with the con%ition that )t+hetai#in"s %isposa# s8ste' sha## @e transferre% to San $ntonio Pon% within two ;< 'onthsfro' the %ate of this per'it/ ::C 'ove% for the %e#etion of the con%ition statin" that it

nee%e% to %eve#op an% 'ine the ore %eposits !n%erneath the San $ntonio pon% for it tocontin!e its 'inin" operations/ In a #etter-'anifestation %ate% e@r!ar8 2, *5>6, ::Cre!este% the NPCC for an eAtension of TPO No/ PO=->1-020-E? an% the in%efinites!spension of the con%ition in sai% per'it !nti# s!ch ti'e that the NPCC sha## havefina##8 reso#ve% the NPCC case entit#e% :s"r/ Ro##8 O#iverio, et a#/ vs/ :arcopper :inin" Corporation/

In the 'eanti'e, the NPCC was a@o#ishe% @8 EAec!tive Or%er No/ *5 vii)6+ %ate%?!ne *4, *5>6, an% its powers an% f!nctions were inte"rate% into the Environ'enta#:ana"e'ent B!rea! an% into the Po##!tion $%&!%ication Boar% ;P$B+

On $pri# **, *5>>, the Secretar8 of Environ'ent an% Nat!ra# Reso!rces, in his

capacit8 as Chair'an of the P$B, iss!e% an Or%er %irectin" ::C to cease an% %esistfro' %ischar"in" 'ine tai#in"s into Ca#ancan Ba8/ The or%er rea%s9

The Te'porar8 Per'it to Operate iss!e% to :arcopper :inin" Corporation eApire% one@r!ar8 *4, *5>6/

Section 51 of the Nationa# Po##!tion Contro# Co''ission ;NPCC< R!#es an% Re"!#ations,which were a%opte% @8 the Boar%, provi%es that in no case can a per'it @e va#i% for 'ore thanone ;*< 8ear/

Recor%s show that :arcopper :inin" Corporation has not fi#e% an8 app#ication for renewa#of the per'it/

:arcopper :inin" Corporation is here@8 or%ere% to cease an% %esist fro' %ischar"in" 'ine

tai#in"s into Ca#ancan Ba8 i''e%iate#8 !pon receipt of this Or%er/

SO ORDERED/iA)5+

I''e%iate#8 thereafter, the DENR Un%ersecretar8 for Environ'ent an% Researchiss!e% a te#e"raphic or%er %ate% $pri# *2, *5>>, en&oinin" i''e%iate co'p#iance @8::C of the cease an% %esist or%er of $pri# **, *5>>/

::C appea#e% the a@ove or%ers of $pri# **, *5>> an% $pri# *2, *5>> to the Office of the Presi%ent, %oc(ete% as O/P/ Case No/ 3>4/ In an Or%er %ate% :a8 , *5>>, theOffice of the Presi%ent %enie% ::Cs re!ests for iss!ance of restrainin" or%ers a"ainstthe or%ers of the P$B/ Conse!ent#8, ::C fi#e% an Ur"ent EA-Parte Partia# :otion for Reconsi%eration %ate% :a8 1, *5>>, see(in" the reconsi%eration of the a@ove Or%er/ In

an Or%er %ate% :a8 *3, *5>>, the Office of the Presi%ent "rante% the a@ove partia#'otion for reconsi%eration, th!s9

=HEREORE, the instant Ur"ent EA-Parte :otion for Reconsi%eration is [email protected]$NTED, an% the Or%er of this Office, %ate% :a8 , *5>>, is here@8 set asi%e insofar as it%enies respon%ent-appe##ants re!ests for iss!ance of restrainin" or%ers/

$ccor%in"#8, the Po##!tion $%&!%ication Boar%, its a"ents, %ep!ties or representatives arehere@8 en&oine% fro' enforcin" its cease an% %esist or%er of $pri# *2, *5>> pen%in" reso#!tion


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@8 this Office of respon%ent-appe##ants appea# fro' sai% or%ers/

It is f!rther %irecte% that the stat!s !o o@tainin" prior to the iss!ance of sai% cease an%%esist or%er @e 'aintaine% !nti# f!rther or%ers fro' this Office/

It is !n%erstoo%, however, that %!rin" the efficac8 of this restrainin" or%er, respon%ent-appe##ant sha## i''e%iate#8 !n%erta(e, at a cost of not #ess than P34,444/44 a %a8, the @!i#%in"

of artificia# reefs an% p#antin" of sea "rass, 'an"roves an% ve"etation on the ca!sewa8 of Ca#ancan Ba8 !n%er the s!pervision of the Po##!tion $%&!%ication Boar% an% s!@&ect to s!ch"!i%e#ines as the Boar% 'a8 i'pose/

SO ORDERED/A)*4+

In #ine with the %irective fro' the Office of the Presi%ent, the Ca#ancan Ba8Reha@i#itation Pro&ect ;CBRP< was create%, an% ::C re'itte% the a'o!nt of P34,444/44 a %a8, startin" fro' :a8 *3, *5>> to the Eco#o"8 Tr!st !n% ;ET< thereof/However, on ?!ne 34, *55*, ::C stoppe% %ischar"in" its tai#in"s in the Ba8, hence, it#i(ewise cease% fro' 'a(in" f!rther %eposits to the ET/

ro' the iss!ance of the Or%er on :a8 *3, *5>> !nti# the cessation of the tai#in"s%isposa# on ?!ne 34, *55*, ::C 'a%e its contri@!tion to the ET in the tota# a'o!nt of Thirt8-Two :i##ion Nine H!n%re% an% Sevent8-ive Tho!san% Pesos ;P3,562,444/44> @e#ifte%/

On e@r!ar8 2, *553, the Office of the Presi%ent ren%ere% a %ecision in O/P/ CaseNo/ 3>4 %is'issin" the appea#7 affir'in" the cease an% %esist Or%er iss!e% @8 theP$B7 an% #iftin" the TRO %ate% :a8 *3, *5>>/ The Office of the Presi%ent reso#ve% theappea# in this wise9

This @rin"s to the fore the pri'or%ia# iss!e of whether or not the Secretar8 of Environ'entan% Nat!ra# Reso!rces "rave#8 erre% in %ec#arin" the TPO No/ PO=->1-020-E? iss!e% torespon%ent-appe##ant ::C eApire% on e@r!ar8 *4, *5>6, an% in or%erin" the #atter to ceasean% %esist fro' %ischar"in" 'ine tai#in"s into Ca#ancan Ba8/

Respon%ent-appe##ant ar"!es that the cease an% %esist or%ers were iss!e% @8 the P$B eA-parte, in vio#ation of its proce%!ra# an% s!@stantive ri"hts provi%e% for !n%er Section 6 ;a< of P/D/No/ 5>0 re!irin" a p!@#ic hearin" @efore an8 or%er or %ecision for the %iscontin!ance of %ischar"e of a sewa"e or in%!stria# wastes into the water, air or #an% co!#% @e iss!e% @8 theP$B/

=e are not pers!a%e%/

Section 6;a< of P/D/ No/ 5>0, rea%s in part9

Sec/ 6;a< P!@#ic Hearin"/ P!@#ic hearin" sha## @e con%!cte% @8 theCo''issioner, Dep!t8 Co''issioner or an8 senior officia# %!#8 %esi"nate% @8 theCo''issioner prior to iss!ance or pro'!#"ation of an8 or%er or %ecision @8 theCo''issioner re!irin" the %iscontin!ance of %ischar"e of sewa"e, in%!stria# wastesan% other wastes into the water, air or #an% reso!rces of the Phi#ippines as provi%e% inthe Decree9 provi%e%, that whenever the Co''ission fin%s a pri'a facie evi%ence thatthe %ischar"e% sewa"e or wastes are of i''e%iate threat to #ife, p!@#ic hea#th, safet8


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or we#fare, or to ani'a# or p#ant #ife, or eAcee%s the a##owa@#e stan%ar%s set @8 theCo''ission, the Co''issioner 'a8 iss!e an eA-parte or%er %irectin" the%iscontin!ance of the sa'e or the te'porar8 s!spension or cessation of operation of the esta@#ish'ent or person "eneratin" s!ch sewa"e or wastes witho!t the necessit8of a prior p!@#ic hearin"/ A A A / ;!n%erscorin" s!pp#ie%0

Aiii)*3+

an% its i'p#e'entin" R!#es an% Re"!#ations/In an or%er %ate% $pri# 3, *556, the P$B r!#e% that the o@#i"ation of ::C to

%eposit P34,444/44 per %a8 to the ET of the CBRP s!@sists, as provi%e% for in theOr%er of the Office of the Presi%ent %ate% :a8 *3, *5>>, %!rin" the efficac8 of sai%or%er restrainin" the P$B fro' enforcin" its cease an% %esist or%er a"ainst ::C/Since the Or%er was #ifte% on#8 on e@r!ar8 2, *553, the o@#i"ation of ::C to re'it was#i(ewise eAtin"!ishe% on#8 on sai% %ate an% not ear#ier as conten%e% @8 ::C fro' theti'e it cease% %!'pin" tai#in"s into the Ba8 on ?!#8 *, *55*/ =e !ote in part9

The iss!e @efore this Boar% is whether :arcopper :inin" Corporation is sti## o@#i"e% tore'it the a'o!nt of P34,444/44 to the CBRP/ The answer @8 the Or%er fro' the Office of thePresi%ent %ate% *3 :a8 *5>>, which states that the o@#i"ation on the part of :arcopper :inin"to pa8 the a'o!nt of P34,444/44 per %a8 for the reha@i#itation of Ca#ancan Ba8 is @in%in" on#8%!rin" the efficac8 of the sai% Or%er/

The recor% f!rther shows that on 42 e@r!ar8 *553, the Office of the Presi%ent #ifte% itsOr%er %ate% *3 :a8 *5>>/ This 'eans that as of the %ate of the #iftin", :arcopper :inin"Corporation no #on"er ha% an8 o@#i"ation to re'it the a'o!nt of P34,444/44 to the CBRP/ Th!s,:arcoppers o@#i"ation on#8 r!ns fro' *3 :a8 *5>> to 42 e@r!ar8 *553/ Be8on% the c!t-off %ate of 42 e@r!ar8 *553, :arcopper is no #on"er o@#i"ate% to re'it the a'o!nt of P34,444/44per %a8 to the CBRP/

It %oes not 'atter whether :arcopper was no #on"er %!'pin" its tai# 'inin"s into the seaeven @efore the c!t-off %ate of 42 e@r!ar8 *553/ The o@#i"ation of :arcopper to pa8 thea'o!nt of P34,444/44 to the CBRP arises fro' the Office of the Presi%ent Or%er %ate% *3 :a8*5>>, not fro' it %!'pin" of 'ine tai#in"s/

=HEREORE, :arcopper :inin" Corporation is here@8 or%ere% to pa8 the CBRP thea'o!nt of P34,444/44 per %a8, co'p!te% fro' the %ate :arcopper :inin" Corporation stoppe%pa8in" on 4* ?!#8 *55*, !p to the for'a# #iftin" of the s!@&ect Or%er fro' the Office of thePresi%ent on 42 e@r!ar8 *553/

SO ORDERED/Aiv)*0+


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::C assai#e% the afore!ote% Or%er %ate% $pri# 3, *556 of the P$B as n!## an%voi% for havin" @een iss!e% witho!t &!ris%iction or with "rave a@!se of %iscretion in apetition for Certiorari an% Prohi@ition ;with pra8er for te'porar8 restrainin" or%er an%pre#i'inar8 in&!nction< @efore the Co!rt of $ppea#s which was %oc(ete% as C$-./R/ No/SP-00121/ In a Reso#!tion %ate% ?!#8 *2, *556, the Co!rt of $ppea#s re!ire% the P$B

an% its 'e'@ers to co''ent on sai% petition/On Nove'@er *5, *556, the Office of the So#icitor .enera#, on @eha#f of the P$B

an% its 'e'@ers, fi#e% with the Co!rt of $ppea#s the re!ire% co''ent/

On Septe'@er *2, *556, for p!rposes of %eter'inin" whether or not to "rant ::Cspra8er for a te'porar8 restrainin" or%er an% pre#i'inar8 in&!nction, the Co!rt of $ppea#scon%!cte% a hearin" where co!nse# for the parties were hear% on ora# ar"!'ents/

In a Reso#!tion %ate% Septe'@er *5, *556, the Co!rt of $ppea#s iss!e% a writ of pre#i'inar8 in&!nction, con%itione% !pon the fi#in" of a @on% @8 ::C in the a'o!nt of P244,444/44 en&oinin" the P$B an% its 'e'@ers to cease an% %esist fro' enforcin" theassai#e% Or%er %ate% $pri# 3, *556, !nti# it ha% 'a%e a f!## %eter'ination on the 'erits

of the case/

On ?an!ar8 6, *55>, the Co!rt of $ppea#s pro'!#"ate% a Decision in C$-./R/ SPNo/ 00121, the %ispositive portion of which rea%s9

In view of the fore"oin", the instant petition is here@8 .R$NTED an%, accor%in"#8, the!estione% Or%er of respon%ent Po##!tion $%&!%ication Boar% %ate% 3 $pri# *556 is here@8 SET

$SIDE/ Respon%ents are or%ere% to RER$IN an% DESIST fro' enforcin" aforesai% Or%er/The in&!nctive @on% fi#e% @8 the petitioner in the a'o!nt of ive H!n%re% Tho!san%;P244,444/44< is here@8 RELE$SED/

The 'otion for reconsi%eration of the a@ove %ecision was %enie% in a Reso#!tion%ate% ?an!ar8 *3, *555 of the Co!rt of $ppea#s/

Hence, the instant petition on the fo##owin" "ro!n%s9

I

The Co!rt of $ppea#s erre% in r!#in" that Rep!@#ic $ct No/ 650 ;otherwise (nown as thePhi#ippine :inin" $ct of *552< repea#e% the provisions of Rep!@#ic $ct No/ 353*, as a'en%e% @8Presi%entia# Decree No/ 5>0, ;otherwise (nown as the Nationa# Po##!tion Contro# Decree of *561


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a!thorit8 in iss!in" the s!@&ect Or%er for the fo##owin" reasons9

The app#ica@#e an% "overnin" #aw in this petition is Rep!@#ic $ct No/ 650 otherwise (nownas the Phi#ippine :inin" $ct of *552 ;:inin" $ct, approve% on :arch 3, *552


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Director, not the Po##!tion $%&!%ication Boar%/

This @ein" the case, the !estione% Or%er %ate% 3 $pri# *556 re!irin" ::C to pa8 itsarrears in %eposits was @e8on% the power an% a!thorit8 of the Po##!tion $%&!%ication Boar% toiss!e an% as s!ch, petitioner 'a8 see( appropriate in&!nctive re#ief fro' the co!rt/ Th!s,certiorari #ies a"ainst p!@#ic respon%ent P$B/Avi)*1+

The Co!rt of $ppea#s #i(ewise r!#e% that the o@#i"ation of ::C to contri@!te to theET of the CBRP cease% inas'!ch as the #atter %iscontin!e% %!'pin" tai#in"s into theBa8 an% the act!a# f!n%s in the ET are s!fficient to reha@i#itate the Ba8/ It ratiocinate%th!s9

In the instant case, it is of recor% that petitioner ::C !n%erta(es its o@#i"ation to provi%efor the reha@i#itation of the Ba8 waters/ This o@#i"ation, thro!"h its 'onetar8 contri@!tion to theET, is however anchore% on its contin!in" %isposa# of the 'ines tai#in"s waste into the Ba8/Hence, since it cease% its 'inin" operations in the affecte% area as of ?!#8 *55* an% ha% not@een %ischar"in" an8 tai#in"s wastes since then, its conse!ent %!t8 to reha@i#itate the po##!te%waters, if an8, no #on"er eAists/

A A ABe that as it 'a8, this Co!rt o@serves that o!t of the approAi'ate s!' of thirt8-two ;3<

'i##ion pesos contri@!te% @8 the petitioner to the ET there is a%'itte%#8 an eAistin" esti'ate%@a#ance of fo!rteen ;*0< 'i##ion pesos in the !n%/ or its part, petitioner %oes not rene"e on itso@#i"ation to reha@i#itate an% in fact !n%erta(es to contin!e the reha@i#itation process !nti# itsco'p#etion within two ;< 8ears ti'e an% which wo!#% on#8 cost siA ;1< 'i##ion pesos/ Th!s, aspetitioner convincin"#8 ar"!e% an% which respon%ent !nsatisfactori#8 re@!(e%, the eAistin"fo!rteen ;*0< 'i##ion pesos in the ET is 'ore than eno!"h to co'p#ete the reha@i#itationpro&ect/ ;TSN, Hearin" %ate% *2 Septe'@er *556, at pp/ 21 to 1, Ro##o


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@eco'e fina# an% eAec!tor8/

In the conteAt of the esta@#ishe% facts, the iss!e that act!a##8 e'er"es is9 Has theP$B !n%er R$ 353* as a'en%e% @8 PD 5>0 ;Nationa# Po##!tion Contro# Decree of *561<@een %iveste% of its a!thorit8 to tr8 an% hear po##!tion cases connecte% with 'inin"operations @8 virt!e of the s!@se!ent enact'ent of R$ 650 ;Phi#ippine :inin" $ct of

*5520 an% its i'p#e'entin" r!#es an% re"!#ations< fi#e% a"ainst ::C@8 :arin%!!e :a8or =i#fre%o Re%/ In the s!@&ect Or%er %ate% $pri# 3, *556, the P$Br!#e% that ::C sho!#% pa8 its arrears in %eposits to the ET of the CBRP co'p!te%fro' the %a8 it stoppe% %!'pin" an% pa8in" on ?!#8 *, *55* !p to the #iftin" of the Or%er of the Office of the Presi%ent %ate% :a8 *3, *5>> on e@r!ar8 2, *553/

The answer is in the ne"ative/ =e a"ree with the So#icitor .enera# that the Co!rt of $ppea#s co''itte% reversi@#e error in r!#in" that the P$B ha% no a!thorit8 to iss!e theOr%er %ate% $pri# 3, *556/

Rep!@#ic $ct No/ 353* ;$n $ct Creatin" The Nationa# =ater $n% $ir Po##!tion

Contro# Co''ission< was passe% in ?!ne *>, *510 to 'aintain reasona@#e stan%ar%s of p!rit8 for the waters an% air of the co!ntr8 with their !ti#iFation for %o'estic, a"ric!#t!ra#,in%!stria# an% other #e"iti'ate p!rposes/ Sai% #aw was revise% in *561 @8 Presi%entia#Decree No/ 5>0 ;Provi%in" or The Revision Of Rep!@#ic $ct No/ 353*, Co''on#8Jnown $s The Po##!tion Contro# Law, $n% or Other P!rposes< to stren"then theNationa# Po##!tion Contro# Co''ission to @est protect the peop#e fro' the "rowin"'enace of environ'enta# po##!tion/ S!@se!ent#8, EAec!tive Or%er No/ *5, s/ *5>6;The Reor"aniFation $ct of the DENR< was passe%/ The interna# str!ct!re, or"aniFationan% %escription of the f!nctions of the new DENR, partic!#ar#8 the :ines an%.eosciences B!rea!, revea#s no provision pertainin" to the reso#!tion of cases invo#vin"vio#ations of the po##!tion #aws/Aviii)*>+ The :ines an% .eo-Sciences B!rea! was create%

!n%er the sai% EO *5 to a@sor@ the f!nctions of the a@o#ishe% B!rea! of :ines an%.eo-Sciences, :inera# Reservations Deve#op'ent Boar% an% the .o#% :inin" In%!str8Deve#op'ent Boar% to, a'on" others, reco''en% po#icies, re"!#ations an% pro"ra'spertainin" to 'inera# reso!rces %eve#op'ent7 assist in the 'onitorin" an% eva#!ation of the B!rea!s pro"ra's an% pro&ects7 an% to %eve#op an% pro'!#"ate stan%ar%s an%operatin" proce%!res on 'inera# reso!rces %eve#op'ent/AiA)*5+

On the other han%, the P$B was create% an% "rante% !n%er the sa'e EO *5@roa% powers to a%&!%icate po##!tion cases in "enera#/ Th!s,

SEC/ *5/ Pollution Adudication Board / There is here@8 create% a Po##!tion $%&!%icationBoar% !n%er the Office of the Secretar8/ The Boar% sha## @e co'pose% of the Secretar8 as

Chair'an, two ;< Un%ersecretaries as 'a8 @e %esi"nate% @8 the Secretar8, the Director of Environ'enta# 'ana"e'ent, an% three ;3< others to @e %esi"nate% @8 the Secretar8 as'e'@ers/ The Boar% sha## ass!'e the powers an% f!nctions of theCo''issionGCo''issioners of the Nationa# Po##!tion Contro# Co''ission with respect to thea%&!%ication of po##!tion cases !n%er Rep!@#ic $ct 353* an% Presi%entia# Decree 5>0,partic!#ar#8 with respect to Section 1 #etters e, f, ", &, (, an% p of P/D/ 5>0/ The Environ'enta#:ana"e'ent B!rea! sha## serve as the Secretariat of the Boar%/ These powers an% f!nctions'a8 @e %e#e"ate% to the re"iona# offices of the Depart'ent in accor%ance with r!#es an%re"!#ations to @e pro'!#"ate% @8 the Boar%/AA)4+


11/22

Section 1 #etters e, f, ", &, (, an% p of PD 5>0 referre% to a@ove are !ote% asfo##ows9

SEC/ 1/ Po#er" and $unction"/ The Co''ission sha## have the fo##owin" powersan% f!nctions9

;e< Iss!e or%ers or %ecision to co'pe# co'p#iance with the provisions of this Decreean% its i'p#e'entin" r!#es an% re"!#ations on#8 after proper notice an% hearin"/

;f< :a(e, a#ter or 'o%if8 or%ers re!irin" the %iscontin!ance of po##!tion specif8in" thecon%itions an% the ti'e within which s!ch %iscontin!ance '!st @e acco'p#ishe%/

;"< Iss!e, renew, or %en8 per'its, !n%er s!ch con%itions as it 'a8 %eter'ine to @ereasona@#e, for the prevention an% a@ate'ent of po##!tion, for the %ischar"e of sewa"e, in%!stria# waste, or for the insta##ation or operation of sewa"e wor(s an%in%!stria# %isposa# s8ste' or parts thereof9 Provi%e%, however, That theCo''ission, @8 r!#es an% re"!#ations, 'a8 re!ire s!@%ivisions, con%o'ini!',hospita#s, p!@#ic @!i#%in"s an% other si'i#ar h!'an sett#e'ents to p!t !p appropriatecentra# sewera"e s8ste' an% sewa"e treat'ent wor(s, eAcept that no per'its sha##

@e re!ire% to an8 sewa"e wor(s or chan"es to or eAtensions of eAistin" wor(s that%ischar"e on#8 %o'estic or sanitar8 wastes fro' a sin"#es resi%entia# @!i#%in"provi%e% with septic tan(s or their e!iva#ent/ The Co''ission 'a8 i'posereasona@#e fees an% char"es for the iss!ance or renewa# of a## per'its re!ire%herein/

;h<

;i<

;&< Serve as ar@itrator for the %eter'ination of reparations, or restit!tion of the %a'a"esan% #osses res!#tin" fro' po##!tion/

;(< Dep!tiFe in writin" or re!est assistance of appropriate "overn'ent a"encies or

instr!'enta#ities for the p!rpose of enforcin" this Decree an% its i'p#e'entin" r!#esan% re"!#ations an% the or%ers an% %ecisions of the Co''ission/

;#<

;'<

;n<

;o<

;p< EAercise s!ch powers an% perfor' s!ch other f!nctions as 'a8 @e necessar8 tocarr8 o!t its %!ties an% responsi@i#ities !n%er this Decree/

Section 6;a< of P/D/ No/ 5>0 f!rther provi%es in part9

Sec/ 6;a< P!@#ic Hearin"/ P!@#ic hearin" sha## @e con%!cte% @8 theCo''issioner, Dep!t8 Co''issioner or an8 senior officia# %!#8 %esi"nate% @8 theCo''issioner prior to iss!ance or pro'!#"ation of an8 or%er or %ecision @8 theCo''issioner re!irin" the %iscontin!ance of %ischar"e of sewa"e, in%!stria# wastesan% other wastes into the water, air or #an% reso!rces of the Phi#ippines as provi%e% inthe Decree9 provi%e%, that whenever the Co''ission fin%s a pri'a facie evi%ence thatthe %ischar"e% sewa"e or wastes are of i''e%iate threat to #ife, p!@#ic hea#th, safet8or =e#fare, or to ani'a# or p#ant #ife, or eAcee%s the a##owa@#e stan%ar%s set @8 the


12/22

Co''ission, the Co''issioner 'a8 iss!e an% eA-parte or%er %irectin" the%iscontin!ance of the sa'e or the te'porar8 s!spension or cessation of operation of the esta@#ish'ent or person "eneratin" s!ch sewa"e or wastes witho!t the necessit8of a prior p!@#ic hearin"/ A A A / ;!n%erscorin" s!pp#ie%


13/22

!ti#iFation for %o'estic, co''ercia#, in%!stria#, a"ric!#t!ra#, recreationa# or other #e"iti'ate p!rposes/

On the other han%, the a!thorit8 of the 'ines re"iona# %irector is co'p#e'entar8 tothat of the P$B/ Section 11 of R$ 650 "ives the 'ines re"iona# %irector eAc#!sive

&!ris%iction over the safet8 inspection of a## insta##ations, s!rface or !n%er"ro!n% in

'inin" operations/ Section 16 thereof vests !pon the re"iona# %irector power to iss!eor%ers re!irin" a contractor to re'e%8 an8 practice connecte% with 'inin" or !arr8in"operations which is not in accor%ance with safet8 an% anti-po##!tion #aws an%re"!#ations7 an% to s!''ari#8 s!spen% 'inin" or !arr8in" operations in case of i''inent %an"er to #ife or propert8/ The #aw #i(ewise re!ires ever8 contractor to!n%erta(e an environ'enta# protection an% enhance'ent pro"ra' which sha## @eincorporate% in the wor( pro"ra' which the contractor sha## s!@'it as an acco'pan8in"%oc!'ent to the app#ication for a 'inera# a"ree'ent or per'it/ In a%%ition, anenviron'enta# c#earance certificate is re!ire% @ase% on an environ'ent i'pactassess'ent/ The #aw a#so re!ires contractors an% per'ittees to reha@i#itate the 'ine%-o!t areas, an% set !p a 'ine reha@i#itation f!n%/ Si"nificant#8, the #aw a##ows an%

enco!ra"es peop#es or"aniFations an% non-"overn'enta# or"aniFations to participatein ens!rin" that contractorsGper'ittees sha## o@serve a## the re!ire'ents of environ'enta# protection/

ro' the fore"oin", it rea%i#8 appears that the power of the 'ines re"iona# %irector %oes not forec#ose P$Bs a!thorit8 to %eter'ine an% act on co'p#aints fi#e% @efore it/The power "rante% to the 'ines re"iona# %irector to iss!e or%ers re!irin" the contractor to re'e%8 an8 practice connecte% with 'inin" or !arr8in" operations or to s!''ari#8s!spen% the sa'e in cases of vio#ation of po##!tion #aws is for p!rposes of effective#8re"!#atin" an% 'onitorin" activities within 'inin" operations an% insta##ations p!rs!antto the environ'enta# protection an% enhance'ent pro"ra' !n%erta(en @8 contractors

an% per'ittees in proc!rin" their 'inin" per'it/ =hi#e the 'ines re"iona# %irector haseApress a%'inistrative an% re"!#ator8 powers over 'inin" operations an% insta##ations,it has no a%&!%icative powers over co'p#aints for vio#ation of po##!tion contro# stat!tesan% re"!#ations/

Tr!e, in )aguna )a*e +evelopment Authorit, v"! Court of Appeal" xxiii )3+ this Co!rthe#% that a%&!%ication of po##!tion cases "enera##8 pertains to the Po##!tion $%&!%icationBoar% ;P$B< eAcept where the specia# #aw provi%es for another for!'/ However,contrar8 to the r!#in" of the Co!rt of $ppea#s, R$ 650 %oes not provi%e for another for!' inas'!ch as R$ 650 %oes not vest !asi-&!%icia# powers in the :ines Re"iona#Director/ The a!thorit8 is veste% an% re'ains with the P$B/

Neither was s!ch a!thorit8 conferre% !pon the Pane# of $r@itrators an% the :ines $%&!%ication Boar% which were create% @8 the sai% #aw/ The provisions creatin" thePane# of $r@itrators for the sett#e'ent of conf#icts refers to %isp!tes invo#vin" ri"hts to'inin" areas, 'inera# a"ree'ents or per'its an% those invo#vin" s!rface owners,occ!pants an% c#ai'-ho#%ersGconcessionaires/AAiv)0+ The scope of a!thorit8 of the Pane#of $r@itrators an% the :ines $%&!%ication Boar% conferre% @8 R$ 650 c#ear#8 eAc#!%ea%&!%icative responsi@i#it8 over po##!tion cases/ Nowhere is there veste% an8 a!thorit8 toa%&!%icate cases invo#vin" vio#ations of po##!tion #aws an% re"!#ations in "enera#/


14/22

Th!s, there is no "en!ine conf#ict @etween R$ 650 an% R$ 353* as a'en%e% @8PD 5>0 that prec#!%es their co-eAistence/ :oreover, it has to @e conce%e% that therewas no intent on the part of the #e"is#at!re to repea# the sai% #aw/ There is nothin" in thesponsorship speechAAv)2+ of the #aws proponent, Representative Renato ap, an% the%e#i@erations that fo##owe% thereafter, to in%icate a #e"is#ative intent to repea# the

po##!tion #aw/ Instea%, it appears that the #e"is#at!re inten%e% to 'aAi'iFe theeAp#oration, %eve#op'ent an% !ti#iFation of the co!ntr8s 'inera# reso!rces to contri@!teto the achieve'ent of nationa# econo'ic an% socia# %eve#op'ent with %!e re"ar% to thesocia# an% environ'enta# cost i'p#ications re#ative thereto/ The #aw inten%s to increasethe pro%!ctivit8 of the co!ntr8s 'inera# reso!rces whi#e at the sa'e ti'e ass!rin" itss!staina@i#it8 thro!"h &!%icio!s !se an% s8ste'atic reha@i#itation/ Henceforth, theDepart'ent of Environ'ent an% Nat!ra# Reso!rces as the pri'ar8 "overn'ent a"enc8responsi@#e for the conservation, 'ana"e'ent, %eve#op'ent, an% proper !se of theStates 'inera# reso!rces, thro!"h its Secretar8, has the a!thorit8 to enter into 'inera#a"ree'ents on @eha#f of the .overn'ent !pon the reco''en%ation of the Director, an%to pro'!#"ate s!ch r!#es an% re"!#ations as 'a8 @e necessar8 to carr8 o!t the

provisions of R$ 650/

AAvi)1+

The P$B an% the :ines Re"iona# Director, with their co'p#e'entar8 f!nctions an% thro!"h their co'@ine% efforts, serve to acco'p#ish the'an%ate of R$ 353* ;Nationa# Po##!tion Contro# Decree of *561< as a'en%e% @8 PD5>0 an% EO *5 an% that of R$ 650 ;Phi#ippine :inin" $ct of *552


15/22

?USTICE R$SUL9

In other wor%s, he has participate% in the / / ;ina!%i@#e


16/22

$TT/ HERN$NDEM9

o!r Honor / / /

:R/ EDEL .EN$TO9

No, no o!r Honor/ / /

?USTICE R$SUL9

:8 !estion is, %o 8o! a"ree with hi' that the *0 'i##ion f!n% wi## @e eno!"h to s!stainthe constr!ction !p to the en%

:R/ EDEL .EN$TO9

Two 8ears

?USTICE R$SUL9

es/

:R/ EDEL .EN$TO9

o!r Honor/ / /

?USTICE $:IN9

Cate"orica# answer/

?USTICE R$SUL9

o! &!st answer, is it eno!"h, in 8o!r own honest wa8, on 8o!r honor

:R/ EDEL .EN$TO9

I thin( so o!r Honor/AAviii)>+

=e '!st s!stain the appe##ate co!rt on this point on acco!nt of the testi'on8 of :r/E%e# .enato/ !rther, we note that the Office of the Presi%ent never o@&ecte% nor r!#e%on the 'anifestation %ate% ?!#8 5, *55* fi#e% @8 ::C that it wo!#% stop pa8in" since ita#rea%8 cease% %!'pin" 'ine tai#in"s into the @a8/ Sti## f!rther, the or%er of the OP%irectin" ::C to reha@i#itate at a cost of P34,444/44 a %a8 %!rin" the efficac8 of therestrainin" or%er ha% @eco'e functu" officio since ::C vo#!ntari#8 stoppe% %!'pin"'ine tai#in"s into the @a8/

To s!' !p, P$B has &!ris%iction to act an% r!#e on the #etter-co'p#aint of :a8or =i#fre%o Re% of :arin%!!e for vio#ation of PD 5>0 an% its i'p#e'entin" r!#es an%re"!#ations which &!ris%iction was not #ost !pon the passa"e of R$ 650 ;the Phi#ippine:inin" $ct of *552


17/22

Melo .Chairman/ 0itug Pangani(an an% Puri"ima 11! conc!r/


18/22

i[1] Dated January 7, 1998; Annex “A”, Rollo, pp. 33-43.

ii[2] Sixt Di!i"i#n $#%p#"ed #& A""#$iate Ju"ti$e" '%ar (. A%in ) ponente*, Je"u" +.

inia" and /e$t#r 0. /#ea.

iii[3] Dated Apri 23, 1997; Annex “D”, Rollo, pp. 1-2.

i![4] #%p#"ed #& 5i$t#r '. 6a%#" )air%an*, Ant#ni# .+. 0a 5ia )re"idin ':$er* and

Den anapin, Jr., +anue S. a"pay, 0e#nard# (. Saa, r#ri# . +a$atanay a"

%e%er".

![


19/22

(b) O''ies o' the Anderseretaries

() O''ies o' +ssistant eretaries

(d) Publi +''airs O''ie

(e) peial Conerns O''ie

(') Pollution +dudiation *oard

0he sta'' setoral bureaus, on the other hand, shall be omposed o'@

(a) 2orest Management *ureau

(b) Bands Management *ureau

() Mines and eo7ienes *ureau

(d) Enironmental Management *ureau

(e) Eosystems Researh and -eelopment *ureau

(') Proteted +reas and ;ildli'e *ureau.

0he 'ield o''ies shall onsist o' all department regional o''ies, the proinial o''ies and the ommunity o''ies.

EC. 8. D Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau. D 0here is hereby reated the Mines and eo7ienes *ureau whih

shall absorb the 'untions o' the *ureau o' Mines and eo7ienes (*M), Mineral Reserations -eelopment*oard (MR-*) and the old Mining Industry -eelopment *oard (M ID*) all o' whih are hereby merged in

aordane with etion "6 hereo' e


20/22

mines sa'ety rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the eretary onerning the sa'e and sanitary up4eep o' themining operations and ahiee waste7'ree and e''iient mine deelopment. Personnel o' the -epartment inoled in the

implementation o' mines sa'ety, health and enironmental rules and regulations shall be oered under Republi +t No.

&1$8.< < <

EC. ??. Mine Inspection. D 0he regional diretor shall hae e Chapter GIII. D ettlement o' Con'litsEC. &&. Panel of r$itrators. 77 0here shall be a panel o' arbitrators in the

regional o''ie o' the -epartment omposed o' three (1) members, two (") o' whom must be members o' the Philippine *ar

in good standing and one a liensed mining engineer or a pro'essional in a related 'ield, and duly designated by theeretary as reommended by the Mines and eosienes *ureau -iretor. 0hose designated as members o' the panel shall

sere as suh in addition to their wor4 in the -epartment without reeiing any additional ompensation. +s muh as pratiable, said members shall ome down 'rom the di''erent bureaus o' the -epartment in the region. 0he pres id ing

o''ier thereo' shall be seleted by the drawing o' lots. 3is tenure as pres id ing o''ier shall be on a yearly basis. 0hemembers o' the panel shall per'orm their duties and obligations in hearing and de id ing ases until their designation is

withdrawn or reo4ed by the eretary. ;ithin thirty (1$) wor4ing days, a'ter the submission o' the ase by the parties 'or

deision, the panel shall hae e


21/22

() -isputes inoling sur'ae owners, oupants and laim7holders9onessionaires and

(d) -isputes pending be'ore the *ureau and the -epartment at the date o' the e''etiity o' this +t.

EC. &%. ppellate %urisdiction. 77 the deision or order o' the panel o' arbitrators may be appealed by the party not

satis'ied thereto to the Mines +dudiation *oard within 'i'teen (8) days 'rom reeipt thereo' whih must de id e the ase

within thirty (1$) days 'rom submission thereo' 'or deision.

EC. &!. Mines d&udication Board . 77 0he Mines +dudiation *oard shall be omposed o' three (1) members. 0heeretary shall be the hairman with the -iretor o' the Mines and eosienes *ureau and the Anderseretary 'or

Operations o' the -epartment as members thereo'. 0he *oard shall hae the 'ollowing powers and 'untions@

(a) 0o promulgate rules and regulations goerning the hearing and disposition o' ases be'ore it, as well as those pertaining

to its internal 'untions, and suh rules and regulations as may be neessary to arry out its 'untions

(b) 0o administer oaths, summon the parties to a ontroersy, issue subpoenas re:uiring the attendane and testimony o'

witnesses or the prodution o' suh boo4s, papers, ontrats, reords, statement o' aounts, agreements, and other

douments as may be material to a ust determination o' the matter under inestigation, and to testi'y in any inestigation or

hearing onduted in pursuane o' this +t

( ) 0o ondut hearings on all matters within its urisdition, proeed to hear and determine the disputes in the absene o' any party thereto who has been summoned or sered with notie to appear, ondut its proeedings or any part thereo' in

publi or in priate, adourn its hearings at any time and plae, re'er tehnial matters or aounts to an e HIt is an undisputed 'at that the Philippines is one o' the highly mineraliFed ountries in the world with a wide rangeo' eonomi minerals 'ound in oer && perent o' its &? proines.0he ountry was estimated to hae 1$.% billion metri

tons, o' whih .8 billion metri tons (1&.1) are metalli and !.1 billion metri tons (?".1) are non7metalli.

+s o' !!$, the ountry5s total mineral ore reseres was % million metri tons. Metalli ores suh as primary gold, primary

opper, hromite and iron, were pegged at %.% billion metri tons. Non7metalli ores, on the other hand, suh as ement rawmaterials, magnesite and marble, were plaed at around !. billion metri tons.

In the !&$5s when the mining industry was ontributing about "1 o' the ountry5s total e


22/22

0he mining industry has also been hit by enironmental groups. . . 9ala

< < <

MR. K+P (R.) . . . by enironmental groups who hae been painting mining as a dirty, unneessary and eologially

deastating e

e102 republic vs marcopper

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