Tugon Kabuhayan was referring to the approved financial or technical assistance agreement (FTAA) of Iron Ore, Gold and Vanadium Resources Phils. “If it’s true that [the DENR has issued] an FTAA without proper process then this is possible [ground] for writ of kalikasan,” Perez said. We are equally concerned about the country’s food security knowing full well that the government has allowed the importation of fish. “There are several protected areas and key biodiversity areas in the Lingayen Gulf where the resuspended materials may go to. I’m really wondering how [the company] is able to secure permits when it’s adjacent to a marine protected area,” he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 27, 2021 20:37 UTC