The Philippines government has halted logging in 6 provinces according to the following ABS News article. Of course given President Nonoy's track record, one does have to wonder whether these logging restrictions are less about deforestation in the Philippines, and more about extortion of money from loggers. There is a long history of such political extortion in the Philippines. There is a legitimate need though. The opportunity to 'appear' to do something about over-logging, and the fact that the President 'appears' to have acted 'decisively' might be more important important than the reality in a country where facts are inaccurate, and ignorance is ubiquitous. i.e. commonplace.
There are similar efforts by provincial and national bureaucrats to extort wealth from miners. The problem in the Philippines is that everyone has the opportunity to extort some kickback in this country. Just look at how many mining projects are behind target. Generally miners are able to commission a project ahead of schedule, particularly given the softening in global economic activity.
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1 comments:
so sad...
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