Those employed by mining companies and the families and communities that depend on them might well feel that, thanks to Gina Lopez, the Sword of Damocles is hanging above their collective heads as they wait to see if she will summarily cut off their only source of income.
In modern vernacular, to have the Sword of Damocles above your head is to endure a thing or situation which causes a prolonged state of impending doom or misfortune.
Some small comfort, as one waits for the pointy metal to decapitate your livelihood, could be the knowledge that the wielder of the weapon was far wiser than you and had used their in-depth knowledge and experience of both mining and ecology to formulate a plan for your continued prosperity.
So would it instill confidence to know that that person had spent most of their life (20 years give or take) as a yoga teacher? After studying in the United States, Lopez left her elite life in Manila and became a yoga missionary for 20 years and went to Portugal, India, and Africa having secured a Master’s Degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management. So no formal education in either mining or environment.
Perhaps you would feel more reassured to know she is also the Vice-Chairperson of ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation, which provides micro finance assistance to micro-entrepreneurs? At least she could help you set up some kind of business to replace your former lifeline.
Perhaps her greatest ecological triumph came with the rehabilitation of the Pasig River and nearby urban streams through the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig Project. The Pasig River is one of the most polluted and toxic river systems in the Philippines but thanks to her efforts in the commission, a river rehabilitation revolution cleansed both the main river and its tributaries. She was also responsible for the reforestation of the La Mesa Watershed Reservation, the last remaining forest zone in Metro Manila.
Trouble is, a couple of ecological triumphs does not an expert make, and her vision is all very one-sided.
Lopez is a vehement anti-mining advocate, known for her stance against large-scale mining in the province of Palawan. She backs the No Mining In Palawan Movement which begs the question, is her determination to close mines based on sound scientific evidence and a study of the effects on the local economy, or is it born of an almost religious zeal to see the 'evil' mining companies cut off in their prime no matter what the cost or collateral damage to the local communities that depend on the mines for their sustenance?
She has come to the problem with a set of pre-determined prejudices born out of an idealistic tunnel vision and missionary zeal that wants ecological revolution imposed by the sword instead of by consent.
Maybe it's time for Ms Lopez to sheath her weapon and spend some time talking with ordinary people and ask them what they want and need rather than just assuming that she knows best.
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