Philippines Update

Philippines Update

21st July 2007

So far nothing more has been heard after last week's press reports that Lafayette is to sue some of its Filipino critics for libel. However, TVI Pacific seems to be centre stage this week, as various people respond to a letter from TVI to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. In the letter, TVIRD's Director of Public Affairs makes various claims which have been repudiated by local, national and international partners. Reports that TVI's new sulphide dam has once again suffered a breach under heavy rains have made the press, and amid denials from the company the government has promised to investigate.

The government has also announced that former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza has been named environment secretary, replacing Angelo Reyes who is taking over the top energy post left vacant by the resignation of Raphael Lotilla. Aside from the problems mentioned above, the new secretary will have to deal with a reconfirmation of the mining ban in Marinduque, and complaints that recent changes to the mining law are too confusing. No doubt he will be in for a challenging time...