The ‘Jesuit Paper’
Tycoon Manuel Pangilinan recently declared his severance of ties with Ateneo de Manila University because of what he described as a disagreement over mining, among other issues. In a letter announcing this split, he expressed his vehement objections to a “Jesuit Paper” that encapsulates what is supposed to be Ateneo’s position on mining.
What exactly is this Jesuit Paper?
First, it should be pointed out that the paper in question, “The Golden Mean in Mining: Talking Points” (downloadable at www.jjcicsi.org.), was NOT issued by Ateneo de Manila. Rather, it was prepared by the Society of Jesus Social Apostolate (SJSA), a network of social institutes under the auspices of the Philippine Jesuits. The SJSA is composed of nearly 30 development organizations, research institutes, student social formation offices, and other social and political advocacy groups.
The members of the SJSA are involved in diverse works, united by the universal Jesuit mission of “promoting a faith that does justice.” This mission is fulfilled in five crucial areas of apostolic involvement: poverty alleviation, good governance, environmental stewardship, cultural regeneration, and Mindanao peace and development.
The paper also takes pains to emphasize that it is primarily a set of “talking points” for use by SJSA members, as well as other like-minded organizations and individuals. As a set of talking points, the paper is meant to be part of a longer process of discernment and reflection on the mining issue. Crucial for this process is the consideration of inputs from all stakeholders—business, government, academe, church, civil society, and, most importantly, the communities affected by mining operations. In fact, the idea to draft these talking points first emerged during an SJSA colloquium on mining held early in June, where representatives of all these stakeholders were invited to present, including Philex Mining Corp. for the business sector.
Also crucial in this process is the identification of “non-negotiables” by which mining issues can be assessed. As a network of Catholic institutions, the SJSA naturally draws from the rich heritage of Catholic Social Teaching for these non-negotiables. The Jesuit Paper on mining is thus organized along a handful of long-standing principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The talking points show that when these principles are brought to bear on the mining issue, then all stakeholders will be held accountable. It is in this sense that such principles are truly non-negotiable.
For example, the Jesuit Paper cites the well-established principle of the “common good.” Blessed John Paul II explains the common good in this manner: “Each person must have access to the level of well-being necessary for his full development” (Laborem Exercens, 19). One clear consequence of this is what he describes as the “universal destination of goods,” for all wealth is under a “social mortgage” (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 42) and thus should be employed for the benefit of all.
In applying this principle, the paper asserts that “all stakeholders in the process should receive benefits from the industry commensurate to need.” It identifies how communities can benefit through “increased livelihood opportunities and community welfare services.” Government is also entitled “to collect the maximum revenue from mining operations and other forms of taxation for the good of the nation.” The right of corporations to “derive reasonable profit to continue the responsible conduct of their operations” is equally recognized. The paper warns, however, that spreading these benefits around should never be “at the expense of increasing the environmental and social risks of mining.”
In the same vein, the paper cites the Catholic principle of “subsidiarity.” Pope Pius XI describes this principle as follows: “…[I]t is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and disturbance of right order to assign to a greater and higher association what lesser and subordinate organizations can do” (Quadragesimo Anno, 79). Subsidiarity promotes the healthy exercise of freedom, and the paper recognizes that this freedom is both a right and a responsibility for all involved in mining: “Subsidiarity challenges all stakeholders to balance regulation for responsible mining with individual and corporate enterprise and initiative to ensure that mining operations truly preserve the common good.”
Given that the SJSA talking points identify principles equally applicable and non-negotiable for all stakeholders, it is indeed unfortunate that Mr. Pangilinan sees the paper as an antimining manifesto.
To end on a personal note: As a Jesuit faculty member of Ateneo de Manila, I have witnessed first-hand how Mr. Pangilinan’s support has greatly enhanced educational opportunities in the university. His break with Ateneo is truly sad. But here we take to heart the exhortation of Blessed John XXIII: “Differences of opinion in the application of principles can sometimes arise even among sincere Catholics. When this happens, they should be careful not to lose their respect and esteem for each other” (Mater et Magistra, 238). If indeed there has been a necessary parting of ways, it is eased by an overriding sense of gratitude and respect.
Thank you, Sir. Fare thee well.
Fr. Roberto E. N. Rivera, SJ, is the coordinator of the Society of Jesus Social Apostolate.
