President Bongbong Marcos has drawn a firm line against irresponsible mining, declaring that destructive and exploitative practices will no longer be tolerated under his administration.
Speaking at the Mining Philippines 2025: International Conference and Exhibition in Taguig City, Marcos said his government will strictly enforce environmental laws against operations that destroy forests, pollute rivers, and endanger communities. He stressed that mining should uplift the lives of Filipinos, not add to their struggles.
“Mining should build communities, not burden them,” Marcos said, emphasizing his administration’s push for responsible, inclusive, and climate-resilient mining.
The President underscored that revenues from mining must directly benefit the people through improved schools, hospitals, and infrastructure that open up opportunities across the country. He said the wealth from the nation’s soil should translate into real progress for ordinary Filipinos.
In September 2025, Marcos signed the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, a measure designed to streamline and rationalize the tax system for major mining operations. The law removes tax distinctions among mining agreements and introduces a five-tier, margin-based royalty ranging from 1% to 5% on income from mining operations outside mineral reservations. It also sets a minimum royalty of 0.1% on gross output for mines earning below the margin threshold.
The new fiscal framework aims to ensure an equitable share of mining revenues for the government while enforcing transparency, accountability, and good governance within the industry.
