The proposed new mining bill was discussed by Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Teddy Casiño at the recent Peace Week celebration in Silliman University Church, Dumaguete City, a press release from the school said.

He said the proposed Philippine Mineral Resources Bill, or House Bill 4315, that seeks to repeal the Mining Act of 1995, promotes the rights of the Filipinos as it affords more rights, control, ownership and jurisdiction to those employed as miners, who are among the country's poorest, the press release also said.

The proposal, referred to as the "People's Mining Bill", seeks the establishment of a multi-sectoral mineral council, and expands the prohibitions of mining, by limiting to 500 hectares the land that can be mined for not longer than 15 years, Casiño said in the press release.

The bill will also give fair royalties to the people and concerned local government units, and will collect mine waste fees. It was co-authored by Casiño and Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna, Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond Palatino, and Gabriela Women’s Party Reps. Luzviminda Ilagan and Emerenciana de Jesus, the press release added.*

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