Philippine President Benigno Aquino has announced a new mining policy, after imposing a moratorium on new mining contracts for the next five years

While reviewing some 300 existing contracts, the government found that around 30 are actually operational.

The president says he aims to copy the best mining practices in other countries, reform the industry and generate more revenues for state coffers.

But it remains unclear how the government aims to share its tax revenues and royalties. Many are calling the move "plundering", saying it robs the country's national resources and violates workers' welfare.

Al Jazeera's Jamela Alindogan gauges the reactions from Manila.