Bilyonaryo - Business

Balatan na ‘yan! Hontiveros seeks Senate probe on Gatchalian mining scandal in Romblon

February 6, 2023

Bilyonaryo.com

Senator Risa Hontiveros wants the Senate to look into the alleged illegal activities in Romblon of a mining firm linked to her colleague, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Hontiveros has filed Senate Resolution No 459 calling for a congressional investigation on Altai Philippines Mining Company amid protests from residents of Sibuyan Island over its operations in the area despite lack of government permits.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered Altai to stop its operations on the island because it lacks an environmental clearance certificate. However, the company has already done damage to Sibuyan Island’s terrain, with patches of denuded mountains visible in photos.

The group Alyansa Tigil Mina disclosed the alleged involvement of Sherwin’s father, so called “Plastics King” William Gatchalian in Altai, noting that his son, Kenneth, is a director of Altai’s parent firm.

Kenneth is the brother of Sherwin and of Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

“Gusto lamang protektahan ng mga residente ang likas-yaman sa kanilang lugar,” Hontiveros said. “The residents are well within their rights to protest.”

“The Senate should hear all stakeholders and unravel the layers of issues that have plagued Sibuyan island for decades. Nakakasira na nga ang malakihang pagmimina sa kalikasan, mukhang may paglabag pa ng mga batas ang kumpanya sa pagsasagawa ng kanilang negosyo,” the senator added.

Related News Tags: Altai Philippines Mining Company, DENR, Risa Hontiveros, Romblon, Senate, Sherwin Gatchalian

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