THE acting director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau does not believe that miners ought to obtain Congressional franchises in order to operate, saying that franchises apply only to public utilities.

Wilfredo G. Moncano, speaking on the sidelines of the 64th Annual National Mining Safety and Environment Conference in Bauio City, said miners are not recognized as public utilities under Philippine law, unless there is a Constitutional amendment.

“It’s a legal issue actually. Personally it’s my position as a lawyer that mining companies are not public utilities. Only public utilities are required to secure Congressional franchises… unless there’s an amendment on the constitution but right now the existing law does not require them to (seek franchises),” he said.

Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang said Congress will push for franchising to ensure that the government secures a fair share of mining profits.

“Mining companies earn a lot but we don’t see it. That’s why this bill is proposed in the first place,” he said. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

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