Posted on July 2, 2025
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Newly sworn-in vice governor Antonio “Jojo” S. Perez Jr. of Oriental Mindoro pledged to oppose all forms of mining in the province and called for the urgent passage of a national law to enforce an island-wide ban.
Perez’ remarks came amid a government-approved sand dredging initiative in Gloria town, which has stirred debate among local officials and environmental advocates.
The project, which involves extracting 1.8 million cubic meters of marine sand from the mouth of the Balete River, has been authorized by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The dredged sand will supply the construction of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan— a key infrastructure project deemed vital to national development.
Perez committed to support House Bill 3891 and House Bill 6219 authored by First and Second District Representatives Arnan Panaligan and Alfonso Umali Jr., respectively, in 2022, which seek to ban all types of mining activities in Mindoro, including black sand mining, armour rock mining and mineral extraction.
“In the past and now, I have stood firm that mining should not be allowed in our province. It is time for a national law to fully realize this advocacy,” Perez said during his oath-taking ceremony on June 17 at the Calapan City Convention Center.
He called on public servants and constituents alike to unite in prioritizing environmental protection, promising to support the re-filing of the anti-mining bills in Congress and to back provincial government initiatives aimed at halting mining activities in Oriental Mindoro.
Aside from environmental concerns, he also vowed to address pressing local issues such as healthcare and electricity services.
Perez previously served as vice governor from 2019 to 2022 and was officially sworn in for his new term alongside other key officials, including Panaligan, Umali, Calapan City Mayor-elect Paulino Salvador Leachon, and other elected provincial and municipal officials.
