CEBU City South District Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa has ordered a review of all pending and existing legislation concerning the impact of the mining industry on the environment.
The move came after typhoon Ompong caused a massive landslide in Itogon, Benguet.
Abellanosa, in a press statement, said his directive is also in response to the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte to repeal the Philippine Mining Act.
Abellanosa serves as chairman of the House of Representatives’ committee on natural resources.
In an interview, he said there are plenty of pending legislation that seek to either amend or repeal the Philippine Mining Act.
“We don’t want another major tragedy like what happened in Itogon, Benguet to happen in similarly situated areas,” he said.
Abellanosa has directed the Congress Secretariat to work closely with him on the issue.
He is also set to meet House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to discuss the matter. JKV