IDIS executive director lawyer Mark Peñalver said in his social media post, the veto decision of Tamayo is the fruit of their insistent call not to allow environmental destruction.
"Proud to be a part of the thousands of people who went out and braved the scorching heat of the sun to call for the veto of the ordinance amending the environment code of South Cotabato," he said.
Peñalver said this is a cause for celebration but they have to maintain their vigilance since the Provincial Board Members can still override the decision of the veto.
"This is not yet the end. Uphold the ban," he said.
In a veto statement, Tamayo said he is hoping that the outgoing members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will no longer override his decision and let the next council review it.
The governor said he junked the lifting of the ban on open-pit mining for being prejudicial to the public welfare and inimical to the overall interest of the province.
"Time and time again, it is always stressed that the province's holistic development is anchored first and foremost on its people," he said.
Tamayo said he could not see any compelling reason that a decade-old ordinance to ban open-pit mining needed to be amended since this protects the residents and the environment from any destruction.
Photo: IDIS