Oriental Mindoro Execs Repeal Armor Rock Law Amid Outcry
CALAPAN CITY — The Oriental Mindoro provincial board has repealed the controversial ordinance on armor rock extraction following widespread public concern. The decision comes after questions were raised about the law’s passage, its lack of implementation, and fears of possible exploitation.
During a regular session on Monday, 2nd District Board Member Rolando Ruga, one of the original proponents of the ordinance, urged the board to scrap the armor rock law. His call was met with unanimous approval from fellow members.
Understanding the Armor Rock Law
Provincial Ordinance No. 145-22, passed over two years ago, regulated the extraction, removal, and handling of volcanic boulders known locally as “armor rocks.” The measure was introduced after a request from the League of Municipalities of Oriental Mindoro, aiming to reduce rockslide risks, clear agricultural land, and boost infrastructure projects stalled by these natural obstacles.
Ruga explained that the armor rock law was carefully designed with safeguards. It clearly distinguished these activities from mining operations to comply with the province’s longstanding mining moratorium.
Public Doubts and Environmental Concerns
Despite these explanations, public skepticism remained strong due to Oriental Mindoro’s history of resisting extractive industries. “Despite our best intentions and clarifications, doubts persist — largely due to Mindoro’s long and hard-fought history against mining,” Ruga said during the session.
He emphasized, “Laws are not monuments. They must reflect the present. They must adapt to truth. And they must resonate with the people.” Notably, no armor rocks have been extracted, nor any related projects implemented since the ordinance’s enactment.
Ruga warned of the risk that the law could be exploited by those aiming to misuse natural resources.
The repeal also followed a resolution from the 12th provincial board, which revoked a previous position supporting a large river dredging project. Environmental groups criticized that project as a disguised form of sand mining.
Stepping Up Environmental Protection
Vice Governor Antonio “Jojo” Perez, who presides over the provincial board, confirmed the repeal in a phone interview. He described the move as part of his commitment to safeguarding the province’s natural environment.
“Revoking the armor rock ordinance and opposing sand mining or dredging align with our pledge to protect our environment,” Perez said. He also mentioned plans for community consultations on other pressing provincial issues.
Ruga clarified that his push to repeal the ordinance was not politically motivated or disloyal. “Our governor supported this ordinance. I supported it. And I continue to support the broader goals of this administration for progress and sustainability,” he said.
Background and Legal Context
The armor rock ordinance faced opposition from the start. In December 2022, residents protested, fearing the law violated the province’s extended 25-year mining moratorium under Provincial Ordinance No. 131-2022.
Despite the backlash, the governor signed the ordinance, explaining it was not pro-mining but aimed to assist farmers and remove dangerous boulders from idle lands.
Ruga also noted recent legal developments, including the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate Occidental Mindoro’s mining moratorium. While Oriental Mindoro’s moratorium remains, he warned that similar policies could be at risk.
“This is why the Church, local government units, civil society groups, and the public are speaking up — and why I choose to speak now, too. I stand here not to erase the past, but to help realign it with the present,” he concluded.
At a mining forum held in July, community leaders and environmental advocates echoed concerns about policies allowing resource extraction, calling for reviews and rejections where necessary.
For more news and updates on armor rock law, visit Filipinokami.com.
