08/08/2026
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Binasa sa DENR meeting sa Maynila noong Agosto 6, 2026 ang pahayag ni Gov. Mel Go kaugnay ng kanyang desisyong tapusin ang serbisyo ng private counsel/law firm na humawak sa usaping may kaugnayan sa Marcopper-Barrick settlement.
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๐๐: 06 AUGUST 2026 MEETING โ PARK INN by Radisson, SM North EDSA
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: TERMINATION OF LAWYERSโ SERVICE AND OTHER MATTERS
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After carefully reviewing the settlement agreement involving the Provincial Government of Marinduque and Barrick Mining Corporation, I found serious legal, procedural, and practical deficiencies that could prejudice the interests of the Province of Marinduque and our People.
First, the negotiations were undertaken without the direct participation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This is a significant concern because the DENR has its own pending claims, directives, and environmental rehabilitation requirements against Marcopper Mining Corporation, MR Holdings Ltd., and other responsible parties.
Second, although the petition for a Writ of Kalikasan was dismissed with finality based on the settlement agreement, such dismissal does not, by itself, extinguish the separate regulatory powers, environmental claims, and clean-up directives of the DENR. Any request by Barrick Mining Corporation for environmental clearance or release must therefore, be independently evaluated and decided by the DENR in accordance with law.
Third, the settlement agreement appears to make its effectiveness or ultimate outcome dependent upon the action or approval of a third party that did not participate in the negotiations from the beginning. This creates uncertainty and may render the settlement difficult, if not impossible, to enforce.
For these reasons, and after carefully evaluating the factual and legal circumstances affecting the Province of Marinduque, I decided to terminate the services of the private counsel / law firm. The decision was not made lightly. It was made because the settlement agreement was, in my considered judgment, deficient, inadequately protective of the Province of Marinduque, and inconsistent with our duty to safeguard the rights and interests of the Marinduqueรฑos. Furthermore, there are also other material deficiencies that require a thorough and independent legal review.
The Provincial Government remains open to a lawful, fair, and enforceable settlement. However, no agreement should compromise the Province of Marinduqueโs environmental claims, weaken the authority of the DENR, or release any responsible party without adequate compensation, clear obligations, and effective safeguards for the people of Marinduque.
My administration will continue to pursue accountability, environmental rehabilitation, and justice for all affected communities.
03 August 2026, Provincial Capitol, Boac, Marinduque.
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Provincial Governor
