Angeles demands clarity on Marcopper funds
MARINDUQUE — Former Vice Governor Adeline Angeles has challenged Governor Melecio “Mel” Go to explain his administration’s handling of the $100-million Marcopper environmental settlement, the province’s separate P11-billion claim against the mining company, and the termination of its former legal counsel.
In a nearly 51-minute Facebook Live statement, Angeles defended the disputed 25-percent contingency fee agreement with Salazar Enrile Defensor & De Mata Law Offices (SedaLAW) and questioned the provincial government’s actions following the settlement with Barrick Mining Corp.
Her statement came after criminal and administrative complaints were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on 4 November against Angeles, eight incumbent Provincial Board members and other respondents over alleged irregularities involving the legal services agreement.
Angeles said the arrangement had been considered by three successive Provincial Boards. The 15th Board approved the terms of reference for hiring legal counsel, including the allowable contingency fee, while the 16th Board, which she presided over as vice governor, ratified the SedaLAW agreement. The 17th Board subsequently affirmed the contract.
She also cited a Court of Appeals ruling recognizing the agreement as reasonable, valid and binding. The provincial government has challenged the fee before the Supreme Court.
Separate P11-billion claim
Angeles disclosed that the province has a separate claim of about P11 billion against Marcopper Mining Corp., which she said could provide additional resources for communities affected by the mining disaster.
She stressed that the $100-million settlement with Barrick did not absolve Marcopper of its environmental responsibilities.
Angeles questioned the termination of SedaLAW’s services, noting that the firm had also been handling the case against Marcopper. She asked who would now represent the province and what steps were being taken to pursue the claim.
She also questioned Go’s handling of a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) communication directing Marcopper to undertake rehabilitation and remediation at mining-affected sites, including the Maguila-guila waste disposal facilities.
Angeles claimed the governor’s position delayed the release of the communication and called for the convening of a Rehabilitation and Remediation Oversight Committee to develop a long-term, science-based rehabilitation plan.
She further raised questions about Go’s alleged correspondence with Barrick and JPMorgan concerning the deposit of settlement funds, saying the governor should explain whether his actions affected the transfer. The provincial government has maintained that its position is meant to protect public funds and ensure their proper use.
Angeles also questioned why she and the eight board members were included in the Ombudsman complaints, which reportedly involve alleged procurement irregularities, falsification of public documents and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Go has said the legal action seeks accountability and protection of funds intended for environmental rehabilitation and residents’ welfare.
No finding of liability has been established against the respondents. The claims raised by Angeles concerning the DENR communication, settlement funds and the P11-billion case require further verification and a response from the governor.