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MGB denies Domingo Chua's mining claims in Bohol
By MICHAEL LIGALIG
Published on October 12, 2003 - Bohol Chronicle

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) said Domingo Chua’s mining claim covers only 25,135 hectares of land, which is 6.10 percent of the total mining area of the province. The MGB also belied reports that Bohol’s smalltime miners were “helpless, hapless” over Chua’s dominance in mining claims.

MGB regional director Eligio Ariate, in a statement, clarified that MGB is “not favoring somebody or anybody” in rights applications.

According to Bohol miners, Chua allegedly owns two-thirds of Bohol in rights applications.

“As to the allegations that MGB-7 has the propensity to give advantage to big businessmen like Mr. Chua,” Ariate said, “we would like to beat off this speculation as the Office has been intensifying its Information and Education Campaign of its policies, rules and regulations.”

MGB maintained that application for any mining right is subject to a “first-come, first-served” basis provided that the applicant has met all the requirements.

Ariate explained that MGB’s stand over conflicts arising from Chua’s mining claims, which is being protested by the local miners, has been clarified during the First Visayas Regional Mining Summit in Bohol Plaza last Sept. 24-26.

The MGB chief said that with the establishment of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) issues and concerns of the smallscale miners could now be addressed to the board.

Meantime, the three congressmen here are set to call a legislative inquiry in aid of legislation over Chua’s land claims.

Reports said earlier Chua is allegedly using other names of individuals and companies in filing for rights applications.

The Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has vowed to seek remedy on the miners’ plight.

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