(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday revealed that apart from drug lords, some people in the mining industry were funding destabilization efforts against him.
“I know you (from the mining industry) are funding the opposite side. Alam ko na ngayon..that some of you are even funding..to destabilize (my government),” Duterte said in a media briefing.
When asked if people outside the country were helping them, he said: “Yes. Dyan sa America madalas..”
Duterte did not give names, but in December last year, he revealed a plan by a “certain financier,” a “rich woman who married a black and is now a millionaire,” to hold a “massive” anti-Duterte demonstration in the country in 2017.
Media reports identified the person as Loida Nicolas-Lewis, the leading campaigner of defeated presidential bet Mar Roxas.
“Somebody there is also funding. If you want to throw your country into turmoil, fine. Let’s do it…Ano kasalanan ko sa inyo? Nagtratrabaho lang ako,” he said.
During the briefing, Duterte went on to show to the media pictures of environmental damage done by some mining firms in some parts of the country, while reiterating his support for Gina Lopez, whom he appointed at the helm of the environment department.
Lopez was among several Duterte Cabinet members bypassed by the powerful Commission on Appointments.
The others were Judy Taguiwalo of the social welfare and development department, Rafael Mariano of the agrarian reform department, and Paulyn Ubial of the health department.
When Lopez faced the CA on Wednesday, she told San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora that his brother “has killed a big mountain.”
The family of Zamora, head of the House-CA contingent, owns Nickel Asia Corp., one of the biggest mining companies in the country.
Responsible mining
“So where are the trees that God gave us. Where’s the environment God gave us…It’s visual. How can you argue with Gina when she’s presenting, confronting you with a visual thing,” he said.
Duterte clarified, however, that he supported responsible mining.
“Sabi ko sa kanila (those in the mining industry), you follow the Australian or Canadian practice. That’s a template,” he said.
“Kung ito gawin mo, (ipamonopolize) ko na sa iyo,” he added.