IT SEEMS embattled Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has found and unlikely ally in Benguet Representative Ronald Cosalan.
During the weekend, Cosalan slammed mining firms as it failed in alleviating the lives of residents in mining towns of the province.
"'Pag ako tatanungin ni Environment Secretary Gina Lopez kung nakinabang ang Benguet sa mining industry, I would say no," Cosalan claimed.
Mining companies operating in the province are Philex Mining Corporation, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation and Benguet Corporation.
Lepanto, which operates in Mankayan was recently ordered for suspension in the recent mine audit while Benguet Corp. is eyed for closure.
"We opened up our mountains to mining, seven or eight big mining companies before, but closed now except for Philex and Lepanto. Income wise they did not made Benguet rich," added Cosalan.
The lawmaker further said other provinces without mining has sustained their development and was able to save their natural resources for future generations.
Cosalan recalled the situation in Itogon, which hosts Philex and Benguet Corp., that it has to plea for the national government to release their national tax wealth share.
“We have to beg for the national government to release our shares from the operations of the two mining companies,” added Cosalan.
Cosalan said these shares should be brought back immediately to the province and host municipalities to be utilized for social services.
Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan a few years back threatened to close Philex due to non–payment of business tax in the municipality.
On March 9 and 10, the House committee on natural resources will conduct an ocular inspection of the three mining firms in the province.