MANILA, Philippines ? The influential Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines is urging President Benigno Aquino III to review the government?s policy on mining and the ?anomalous? contracts forged by the Arroyo administration with mining companies.

In a letter signed by CBCP president Bishop Nereo Odchimar and sent to Aquino Friday morning, the CBCP said the Mining Act should be repealed, noting that it only opens the country's natural resources to exploitation by foreigners.

?The CBCP calls for changing the way we manage and develop our natural resources. Our bias for the use of our resources should be for Filipinos and not for foreigners,? the CBCP said.

?Furthermore, we call for review of all anomalous and controversial mining contracts. We cannot move forward if we fail to rectify previous contentious contracts the state has entered into with mining investors,? the letter added.

The clerical group also appealed to the President to make public mining applications and contracts, which have been held in secrecy, in accordance with Aquino's stance for transparency.

The CBCP's letter came a week after its representatives met with newly installed Environment Secretary Ramon Paje. Paje said he favored the repeal of the Mining Act and a review of the government's mining policies.