Solons file resolution to investigate renewal of mining permit in Bataan

Bataan Third District Rep. Maria Angela S. Garcia and Second District Rep. Albert S. Garcia have filed House Resolution No. 1599 on 10 November 2026, to investigate the renewal of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) No. 154-2000-III in the province of Bataan.

According to them, the resolution orders the House Committee on Natural Resources to conduct an investigation as a response to the creation of possible laws and regulations regarding the renewal of the MPSA No. 154-2000-III.

The resolution aims to determine if the existing laws and processes were followed before the renewal of the mining agreement was approved.

The solons stated that the renewal should have a Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the Indigenous People (IP) community first since they are the ones who will be greatly affected by the project, as well as conducting consultations within the community.

The resolution also aims to carefully examine if the local government, provincial board, and the municipal council approved the said agreement. Part of the investigation is the implementation of the environmental requirements and standards, as well as the rights of the people.

The resolution came as some IP communities in Bataan have expressed fear and discontent regarding the possible effect of the mining operation in their ancestral land and area of livelihood.

Meanwhile, Limay Town Mayor Richie Jason David confirmed that the local government did not issue a permit to any mining company to conduct mineral exploration in the said municipality.

David furthered that he is not against projects that establishes economic development, but any mineral exploration conducted should first take into account its possible effects to the IP community.

He said that with the mining exploration, some 2,000 Aetas might lose access to their ancestral land once the project starts.

Last week, a protest was conducted by the IP communities of Limay against the said activity of the Balanga-Bataan Mineral Exploration Corp., which is said to be operating in partnership with the Benguet Mining Company.