Manila, March 3 -- Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday called for stricter regulations on mining operations in the country, emphasizing the need to maximize the industry's contributions to the national economy.

He presided over the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Subcommittee public hearing on inactive, non-operational, invalid or unused exploration permits (EPs) and mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs), which he said contradict the declared policy of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

He said inactive exploration permits and MPSAs do not benefit the people.

"Tayo ay mayamang bansa na nagpapanggap na mahirap. Tama ang direksyon ng DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] Secretary (Maria...