Lifting of Moratorium on Mineral Agreements
- Previous moratorium on new mineral agreements under Section 4 of EO No. 79 is lifted.
- Government may enter into new mineral agreements compliant with the Mining Act and applicable laws.
- DENR continues to grant Exploration Permits, granting rights over approved exploration areas.
- Grantees have the first option to develop minerals upon project feasibility approval.
- DENR tasked to formulate terms maximizing government revenue, including potential designation of mineral reservations.
- DENR to review existing agreements for possible mutually acceptable renegotiations.
- Joint DENR and Department of Finance action to rationalize revenue-sharing mechanisms.
Enhancement and Enforcement of Environmental and Safety Policies
- DENR mandated to strictly enforce mining safety and environmental measures.
- Compliance with Mining Industry Coordinating Council’s recommendations and pertinent laws is compulsory.
- Terms and conditions of mineral agreements subject to such safety and environmental standards.
Policy on Revenue Sharing and Excise Tax
- Section 48 of RA No. 10963 (TRAIN Act) doubled excise tax on minerals from 2% to 4%.
- DENR and Department of Finance to rationalize existing revenue sharing schemes to ensure fair government income.
Importance of Mining Sector to National Development
- Mining has contributed less than 5% tapped resource utilization but has significant economic potential.
- Industry supports infrastructure programs (e.g., Build, Build, Build) and stimulates rural development (Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa).
- Generates employment and promotes countryside economic growth.
Executive Authority and Continuity
- The President holds control over Executive Departments to ensure faithful execution of laws.
- Executive Order repeals or modifies inconsistent issuances.
- Provisions declared invalid do not affect the rest of the Order.
Effectivity
- Order effective immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.