Philippines mining policy could provoke the left

Significance

The two appointments follow, respectively, the current BSP governor’s decision to retire and the failure of former acting DENR secretary Regina 'Gina' Lopez to secure confirmation by the Commission on Appointments on May 3. Both appointments are important for the Philippines’ fiscal and mining-environmental policy outlook, and the political fortunes of Duterte’s administration.

Impacts

• Taking a more inclusive and clear approach to mining would likely see Cimatu’s nomination easily confirmed.
• Nonetheless, more anti-mining civil society activities are likely.
• Any future mining policies that alienate the communists could thereby undermine government-communist peace talks.
• More cabinet changes are likely, potentially to the health, defence, transport, social welfare and agrarian reform posts.