Nueva Vizcaya solon slams political demolition over mining dispute

Nueva Vizcaya Representative Tim Cayton claimed he is the primary target of a coordinated political demolition campaign by defeated electoral candidates using local mining issues to undermine his credibility.

The lawmaker said attempts to link him to mining operations in Dupax del Norte are intentionally misleading. He explained that the controversy began before he took office and is now being recycled by rivals to weaken the current provincial leadership.

"I have been in Congress only a few months. Decisions and processes related to this issue began long before my term. To pin everything on me is not only inaccurate—it is politically motivated," Cayton said in a statement sent to the DAILY TRIBUNE.

Cayton clarified that a certification he signed for Woogle Corporation is being misrepresented as an operational permit. He stressed that a certification does not grant legal authority to conduct mining activities.

"A certification is not a permit. Members of Congress do not issue mining permits. That authority belongs to national regulatory agencies. Presenting documents without context is misleading the public," he said.

The congressman said the mining issue has been oversimplified and weaponized by political actors who failed to secure seats in the last elections. He alleged that these individuals are seeking to regain relevance by attacking officials who won the public mandate.

"This controversy is being used to manufacture a negative narrative. The objective is not environmental protection but political damage—directed not only at me, but at elected officials who won the people’s mandate," he said.

Cayton reaffirmed his opposition to mining and insisted that any environmental or regulatory concerns should be addressed through established legal channels rather than through misinformation or political grandstanding.

He also noted his long-standing ties to the region, having served as Dupax del Norte mayor for nine years prior to his election to Congress.

"My connection to the town makes it impossible for me to support activities that would harm the community," he said.

The lawmaker urged the public to scrutinize the facts and remain cautious of narratives driven by political resentment.