PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday accused some mining firms of financing what he called a “destabilization” plot against his administration. Speaking to reporters in Malacañang, the President said mining firms, which he did not name, were funding the political opposition to undermine his government. Duterte made the statement as he defended anew Environment Secretary Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez for ordering the closure of mining firms found to have violated mining regulations. Showing photos of the ill effects of destructive mining, Duterte slammed mining companies that had failed to follow regulations. Duterte on Friday cursed at mining firms for environmental destruction as he backed anew Lopez’s stance against illegal mining.

Source: Manila Times March 13, 2017 16:54 UTC