BY LEIF C. DAHL
DUPAX DEL NORTE, Nueva Vizcaya (February 12, 2026)—Woggle Corporation on Wednesday publicly questioned the temporary suspension of its exploration activities imposed by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), warning that the order threatens both the rule of law and the Philippines’ attractiveness to responsible mining investors.
The company stated that it received the MGB’s suspension order on the morning of February 11, but noted that leaked images of the document had already been circulating on social media and local news outlets hours prior. “The premature disclosure raises serious questions about due‑process and the integrity of regulatory actions,” Woggle’s statement read.
Woggle’s Exploration Permit (EP No. EP000030II) was granted by the Republic of the Philippines under Republic Act No. 7942 (the Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and its implementing rules. The permit, the company emphasized, is a government‑issued grant that creates legally enforceable rights and obligations for both the State and the permit holder. “Such grants are not mere privileges that can be withdrawn at will; they are protected by statutory standards, contractual principles, and the constitutional guarantee against impairment of obligations,” the firm said.
According to Woggle, it has complied with all terms and conditions of the permit. The suspension, it added, appears to be based on “illegal barricades, political agitation, and disruptions caused by third parties.” The company pointed out that a regional trial court has already declared those barricades illegal and issued a writ of preliminary injunction ordering their removal.
Woggle argued that invoking force majeure to justify the suspension is misplaced. “Under established principles, force majeure may excuse performance when unforeseen events beyond a party’s control occur, but it does not automatically extinguish vested rights or shift the burden of unlawful third‑party acts onto a compliant permit holder,” the statement said. “The government cannot use force majeure to nullify rights it has granted when the alleged disruptions are attributable to private individuals, and when law‑enforcement remedies remain available.”
The company also highlighted procedural concerns, noting that the government’s own three‑notice requirement for due process has not been observed. “A suspension without proper notice undermines regulatory predictability and creates a dangerous precedent where the loudest disruption, rather than the rule of law, determines whether a lawful operation can continue,” Woggle warned.
The broader implications, Woggle said, extend far beyond its own project. Mining exploration requires substantial upfront capital—geological surveys, environmental studies, community engagement—invested on the assumption that permits will be respected. “If lawful operations can be halted because of politically motivated blockades, investors will question the security of government‑issued permits,” the company said. “That uncertainty raises risk premiums, deters foreign direct investment, and ultimately harms the country’s economic growth prospects.”
Woggle also flagged immediate socioeconomic impacts. More than 1,200 workers and contractors linked to its Runruno operations—located in the same province—depend on the continuity of its exploration pipeline. A prolonged suspension could jeopardize livelihoods, disrupt local procurement networks, and stall community development programs that rely on mining revenues.
In response, Woggle announced it is evaluating all available legal remedies, including administrative appeals, contractual claims, and constitutional challenges, to protect its rights under Philippine law.
The company called on the MGB to provide a clear, written legal basis for the suspension, citing the specific statutory authority relied upon; clarify whether force majeure is being correctly invoked and, if so, under which provision of RA 7942 or its IRR; and reaffirm the government’s commitment to regulatory stability and the protection of lawful investments.
“Woggle remains committed to responsible exploration, environmental stewardship, and constructive engagement with national and local stakeholders,” the statement concluded. “We stand ready to resolve this matter promptly, transparently, and in accordance with the rule of law.”
As of press time, the MGB has not issued a public response to Woggle’s concerns.