Philippine ministers say mine closure order will cost jobs

The Philippine environment minister's move to close some two dozen mines sparked concern Sunday among two of her colleagues, who said it could hit the economy and employment. The mining industry -- accused of illegal tree felling and polluting rivers -- has also questioned the order of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez. "I don't think (Lopez) did it arbitrarily but anything like this would need a response like more scientific and data-driven studies," said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto