By Rachel Magday

 

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Rep. Leila M. de Lima has filed House Resolution No. 413 asking Congress to investigate alleged illegal exploration by Woggle Corporation in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya.

The measure also seeks review and possible cancellation of the company’s exploration permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR‑MGB).

The filing was an offshoot of a meeting in which former Nueva Vizcaya Governor Ruth R. Padilla personally visited Rep. De Lima’s office to hand over documents showing strong opposition from Dupax del Norte residents.

Padilla told De Lima that locals say they were not properly consulted and did not give written consent for the exploration. During the meeting,

De Lima committed to call a formal legislative inquiry so communities can be heard and officials can be held accountable.

In August 2025, DENR‑MGB granted Woggle—reported to be an affiliate of FCF Minerals Corporation—a 3,100‑hectare exploration permit in Dupax del Norte, reportedly for gold and copper. Residents and local groups say the company began work without proper consultation, citing tree uprooting and other actions they call illegal.

The Sangguniang Barangays of Oyao, Bitnong, Inaban, and Munguia all in Dupax del Norte passed resolutions opposing the project and asking for an investigation and possible cancellation of the permit. On August 18, 2025, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Vizcaya adopted Resolution No. 2025‑5734 asking the DENR‑MGB to cancel the permit for alleged environmental and procedural violations.

Residents, religious leaders, lawyers, and environmental groups have held protests. On October 10, 2025, Regional Trial Court Branch 30 in Bayombong issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in favor of Woggle, barring residents from maintaining barricades on access roads; the TRO was extended to October 30, 2025. HR 413 also notes the court ordered the Philippine National Police to enforce the TRO, and there are reports of heavy‑handed actions against the protesters and indigenous groups.

“The water, land, homes, livelihoods and future of our people in Nueva Vizcaya are at risk,” De Lima said when she filed HR 413. “No amount of profit can replace the lives and livelihoods of affected communities.”

With HR 413 filed and De Lima’s promise to call a legislative inquiry, the House is expected to review the permit’s validity, check compliance with environmental and consultation rules, and consider steps to protect residents and the environment.