Ruth Padilla Leads Push for Congress Probe Into Dupax del Norte Mining Amid Rising Environmental Fears

SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya — Former Governor Ruth R. Padilla has taken a central role in coordinating with members of the House of Representatives as calls intensify for a full legislative inquiry into the controversial mining exploration being conducted by Woggle/Woogle Corporation in Dupax del Norte.

Although she no longer holds public office, Padilla remains an influential figure in the province’s political landscape. Her involvement reflects the growing urgency among Novo Vizcayanos to address environmental, agricultural, and cultural concerns linked to the large-scale exploration activity.

Padilla’s efforts aim to ensure that the issue is not confined to local discussions, but reaches national policymakers who have the authority to scrutinize mining operations and enforce environmental accountability.

Padilla Meets National Lawmakers to Raise Dupax Concerns

Information shared by Padilla’s camp confirmed that she has been personally meeting members of Congress to relay the concerns of affected communities. Among those she coordinated with are Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano and Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr., both of whom were briefed on the growing public opposition to the mining exploration in Dupax del Norte.

The discussions highlighted long-standing fears over watershed disruption, threats to agricultural lands, and potential damage to ecologically sensitive zones within Nueva Vizcaya. The province has historically been one of Northern Luzon’s most vulnerable territories when it comes to mining-related issues, with previous disputes in Didipio and Runruno serving as cautionary precedents.

Padilla’s coordination represents one of the most proactive steps taken by a high-profile local figure to escalate the mining issue to the national level.

Ruth Padilla Leads Push for Congress Probe Into Dupax del Norte Mining Amid Rising Environmental Fears

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Party-list Representatives File House Resolution for a Formal Probe

Padilla also acknowledged the recent move of Party-list Representatives Leila de Lima, Sarah Elago, and Renee Louise Co, who formally filed a House Resolution urging the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources to conduct a legislative inquiry into the Dupax del Norte mining activities.

The resolution seeks a full inquiry into the processes behind the issuance of the exploration permits, the conduct of environmental assessments, potential risks to watersheds and biodiversity, the effects on agricultural lands, the protection of indigenous peoples and their ancestral territories, and the project’s compliance with national environmental laws.

The filing of this resolution significantly strengthens the campaign for transparency and regulation, adding substantial legal and procedural backing to the concerns raised by local communities.

Nueva Vizcaya’s Long History of Mining Conflict Fuels Current Opposition

Nueva Vizcaya is widely recognized for its steep terrain, vital watersheds, and extensive agricultural zones—features that make it particularly vulnerable to the environmental consequences of mining. This mining sensitivity is not theoretical; the province has seen years of tension and legal battles over past extractive projects.

This history is now shaping the public response to Woggle/Woogle Corporation’s exploration in Dupax del Norte. Residents fear that once exploration activities expand, it could open the door to full-scale mining operations that may permanently damage water systems, displace farming communities, and threaten indigenous cultural landscapes.

Padilla’s involvement underscores how deeply the issue has resonated in various sectors across the province, from barangay leaders and civic groups to environmental advocates and ancestral domain communities.

Padilla’s Community-Driven Advocacy Gains Momentum

Even outside public office, Padilla continues to play an active civic role. Her initiative to coordinate with Congress is seen by many as a natural extension of her longstanding public service and familiarity with the province’s environmental challenges.

Her outreach is not framed as political positioning but as community-driven advocacy—a response to widespread calls for leaders with national access to elevate the issue beyond local boundaries. By linking the concerns of Novo Vizcayanos to members of Congress, Padilla helps ensure that the mining exploration undergoes proper oversight.

The growing movement emphasizes that Nueva Vizcaya’s ecological stability—and the livelihoods tied to it—must be protected through rigorous review rather than after-the-fact correction.

Congress Expected to Review Inquiry Request Soon

With the House Resolution filed and multiple lawmakers now aware of the situation, attention turns to the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, which is expected to deliberate on whether to initiate a formal investigation.

If approved, the inquiry could become one of the most significant environmental hearings involving Nueva Vizcaya in years. It would also set a precedent for how mining exploration permits are scrutinized in areas where agricultural productivity, watershed systems, and indigenous rights intersect.

Stakeholders across Nueva Vizcaya are monitoring developments closely, hoping that congressional action will result in transparent review processes, stronger safeguards, and clearer accountability mechanisms.

The Province Waits for Clarity as Pressure Builds

As concerns over the mining exploration continue to grow, residents of Dupax del Norte and the wider province remain united in demanding answers. Padilla’s coordination, combined with the newly filed House Resolution, has placed the issue firmly on the national agenda.

The coming weeks will determine whether Congress will take the next step, and whether Nueva Vizcaya’s environmental future will be protected through legislative oversight.

For now, one thing is clear: the push to scrutinize the Dupax del Norte mining exploration has transformed into a province-wide movement—one strengthened by former officials, community advocates, and national allies committed to safeguarding the land, watersheds, and cultural heritage of Nueva Vizcaya.