The Provincial Government of Eastern Samar is giving six mining companies operating in Homonhon Island until yearend to resolve their pending tax disputes and environmental concerns.
The local government warned it will be forced to recommend to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) the suspension or termination of the operations of the mining companies in the area if no corrective actions are made.
The local government identified the companies in questions as Cambayas Mining Corp., Emir Mineral Resources Corp., Techiron Resources Inc., Mt. Sinai Exploration and Development Corp., Chromiteking Inc. and Nickelace Inc., whose mineral production sharing agreement is being operated by Global Min-met Resources Inc. and Verum Terra Geosciences Inc.
Eden Ivy Rose Balagasay, Eastern Samar provincial legal officer said in a briefing in Quezon City yesterday the companies must settle their taxes as well as implement environmental and social protection measures while also ensuring the welfare of mining workers.
Balagasay added the mining firms must also carry out socio-economic development and health programs for residents of their host communities, a requirement under the law.
The provincial government said it is conducting a comprehensive review of the final performance and compliance reports of the companies.
The Provincial Government of Eastern Samar said demand letters and notices of tax delinquencies were issued to the mining companies as well as for their unpaid real property taxes (RPTs).
Antonia Macawile, Eastern Samar provincial treasurer, said five of the miners have combined RPT arrears estimated at P133.9 million based on the aggregate volumes listed in their chromite and nickel ore stocks transport permits.
The provincial government said Cambayas has unpaid RPTs totaling P96.6 million over the 2012-2016 period; Techiron, P22.6 million; Emir, P12.1 million from 2017 to 2022; and Mt. Sinai, P2.6 million in 2013.
However, the unsettled RPTs of Nickelace are yet to be computed. – Jed Macapagal
