“Kayong mga mining (You mining firms), I know you are funding the opposite side. Gusto ninyo akong palitan na Presidente na paluhurin ninyo to do your bidding… (Now, if you’re just lobbying on mining firms or provide funding. Dito, magprangka-prangkahan tayo (Let’s have a total mining ban first, then let’s talk, let’s be frank with one another),” he said. Duterte urged mining firms to follow Australian or Canadian mining practices, which help preserve the environment. The complainant said Lopez caused “undue injuries” to the mining industry when it ordered the closure of 23 mining firms and suspension of five other firms based on an unsubstantiated mining audit.

Source: Philippine Star March 13, 2017 16:10 UTC