The whole creation is groaning, the environment and even ourselves...

. . . because the Philippine environment is in a critical state — as of 1988 only 23% of our forest cover remains, only 5% of our coral reefs are in excellent condition, which is the lowest in Southeast Asia, the ratio of our alienable and disposable land (A&D) and the timber land is way below the standard, our at­mosphere is one of the most polluted , our rivers and seas are silted and suffering from both domestic and industrial waste and our water resource are in critical condition in many parts of the archipelago.

. . . because we have witnessed the evil effects of human misuse and abuse of our natural resources in­cluding the numerous tragedies that have also claimed thousands of lives and have caused incomparable damage to our environment.

. . . because in the past decades, we have witnessed how extractive industries like mining have con­ tributed to these human and environmental disasters with the numerous toxic mine spills resulting in the contamination and destruction of water bodies, dam failures, and the overall contribution to massive defor­estation and habitat destruction resulting in extinction of some living creatures and displacement of many of our brothers and sisters particularly our already disenfranchised “indigenous peoples” along with their treasured values and culture.

And more …

. . . because in spite of all of these environmental and human catastrophes affecting the prevailing con­ditions of our land and aquatic resources, and its biological wealth; and given the critical nature of Philip­pine climate and geology our government and Mrs. Arroyo opted to actively promote mining with its “mining revitalization program”. Instead of working for the restoration and rehabilitation of numerous mining-affected areas or giving justice to the victims of mining operations as in the case of Marinduque and of Rapu- Rapu island our government ignores the findings and recommendations of special fact-finding bodies like the “Bastes Commission” that Ms. Arroyo herself created. She deliberately continues to sub­ scribe to policies of liberalization, deregulation and privatization that not only retard the growth of our own industries but bring destruction to our natural resources especially our forests and ancestral lands, and profit only to multinational corporations and foreign powers.

We groan in our inner most being

. . . because on top of these we are now witnessing the attempt to permanently institutionalize and unquestionably legalize the liberalization of mining and other similar industries through charter change which aims at removing the protectionist provisions of the present Philippine constitution and threatens to reduce us to the status of helpless pawns in a global economy that only serves the interest of the rich and powerful. 

In the midst of these trying times, the JPICC-AMRSP affirms its Christian commitment to justice, peace and the integrity of creation towards fullness of life for all.

We recognize that our country has been blessed with sufficient mineral resources that can contribute to the entire country’s development but we affirm that “the moral character of development can never exclude respect for the beings which constitute the natural world” and that we “cannot use with impunity the differ­ ent categories of being , whether living or inanimate, animals, plants, the natural elements simply as we wish, according to our own economic needs. Using them as if they were inexhaustible, with absolute do­ minion , seriously endangers their availability not only for the present generation but above all for genera­ tions to come.” (Gaudium et Spes, #65).

 

We recognize with great sadness that the present state of the Philippine environment shows that WE hu­ mans are using it beyond its carrying capacity. We believe this is a clear manifestation of it responsible stewardship and a serious proof of the gravity of humankind ‘s abuse of God’s creation all because of greed and the quest for profit. We believe that by so doing we disrespect and even betray the trust and goodness of the Creator.

Above all,

We recognize with humility that this destruction of the environment poses a serious challenge to our pro­phetic mission as religious and we reaffirm our Christian duty to live out this sacred and prophetic obliga­tion as we address issues and concerns involving environmentally critical projects like mining.

And so, may the Holy Spirit grant us the courage, strength and guidance as we demand:

Give Rest To the Earth! !! Reclaim the integrity of creation!

No to further degradation of the environment!

Rehabilitate and Restore areas affected by mining!

Give justice to mining victims!

Respect Human Dignity! Respect indigenous peoples’ rights!

Repeal the Mining Act of 1995. Enact an alternative mineral policy that promotes responsible and patriotic stewardship as well as human rights! Recall all approved Financial or Technical Assistance Agreements and other related mineral agreements.

Reject Charter Change as proposed by the Arroyo government and the attempts to remove the “protectionist provisions” in the Constitution!

Let us honor this sacred time and the sacred space, which is our beloved country. Let us be in active soli­darity with our people . Let us confirm our love for God who has generously given us all creation and who has entrusted it to us not to be its absolute masters but its responsible stewards for the benefit of the present and future generations . 

For Reference :

Ms. Charito Jocson Pinalas Executive Secretary

(02) 4362561