Eastern Samar lawmaker seeks probe of Homonhon mining
TACLOBAN CITY—Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales has filed a resolution urging Congress to investigate the environmental and social impact of large-scale mining operations on Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, a historically significant site and one of the most heavily mined areas in the province.
In House Resolution No. 234 filed on Sept. 4, Gonzales asked the House committees on natural resources, ecology, and local government to look into long-standing complaints of massive deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, biodiversity loss, and health problems allegedly caused by decades of nickel and chromite extraction on the island.
“Homonhon is not only rich in natural resources but also steeped in history as the first landing site of [Portuguese explorer] Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Decades of unchecked mining threaten to erase both its heritage and its future,” Gonzales said in the resolution.
He noted that communities on the island, home to around 15,000 residents in eight barangays, continue to grapple with livelihood loss in farming and fishing, unfulfilled promises of development projects, and inadequate basic services despite the presence of mining firms.
Damage assessment
The resolution also raised concerns over alleged encroachment by some companies beyond their concession areas, the presence of foreigners engaged in illegal mining activities, and firms with past environmental violations resuming operations with little transparency.
Gonzales, who also serves as House minority leader, stressed that the inquiry should cover environmental damage assessment, the impact on public health and livelihood, compliance with mining and environmental laws, revenue-sharing mechanisms, and measures to safeguard the island’s historical and ecological integrity.
“The voices of Homonhon residents, environmental advocates, and church leaders must be heard. Congress has a duty to ensure that mining operations are lawful, sustainable, and beneficial to the people—not destructive,” the lawmaker noted.
Gonzales clarified, however, that his call for an inquiry is not rooted in supporting or rejecting mining.
“I am not for or against mining. I am for the interest and welfare of the people,” he said, adding that even during his stint as Guiuan mayor—a post now held by his sister, Mayor Analiza Gonzales Kwan—he had already raised concerns over reported mining violations.
“But I was just a mayor then. Now that I am a congressman, let’s see if these mining companies will heed me,” he added.
Gonzales’ resolution comes shortly after President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12253, or the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, which streamlines the country’s mining tax system and is projected to generate at least P6.26 billion annually in government revenues.
Environmental groups and the Catholic Church have long expressed opposition to extractive industries in Homonhon, warning that the island’s fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage are being sacrificed for short-term gains.
