Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  We tried to seek redress or support from the Canadian embassy because in our experience, particularly in Nueva Vizcaya where OceanaGold is operating, some of our local organizations and members of these organizations are being red-tagged. We know there are policy guidelines called “Voices at Risk”, so the embassy could at least investigate and give support, but we did not get that.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I do not understand the concept of scrutiny, sorry.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  No, of course not. We think the mining laws in the Philippines very much favour the foreign investors. It's stated in our law that foreign investment is critical in our development, so they get a lot of privileges. As for scrutiny, or looking at their operations, there's a lack of transparency, and we need it for us to assert what should be done correctly on the ground.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Yes, of course. We have a lot of experience in the Philippines asking for information, but we get nothing from them. Collaborative action with the companies is okay, but more importantly, there should be an independent investigative mechanism with a process that does not allow the companies or even the government to take advantage to promote their interests, particularly their mining operations.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  We are pro development. We are not against foreign investment. But if that foreign investment causes us more misery, poverty and environmental degradation, then we need to resist—we have no choice—the kind of destructive operations like those we are experiencing from Canadian mining companies here in the Philippines.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Good evening. It's my honour to testify before you. I am Clemente Bautista. I am the international network coordinator for the Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment. Kalikasan is a leading network in the Philippines working on ecological protection, conservation of resources and defending the rights of people and communities.