(Eagle News Service) — Gina Lopez’s confirmation as environment secretary has been rejected by the powerful Commission on Appointments.
This was after 16 members of the 26-member commission cast clandestine votes against her.
Eight member-senators voted in favor of Lopez.
“It is with sadness in my heart that this committee is terminating the deliberation not in the way I wanted…To you Gina Lopez, I salute you. Take this turmoil in your life as a challenge to strive.. more…As one Chinese proverb said, one step backward, two steps forward,” Manny Pacquiao, CA’s committee on environment and natural resources, said.
Senator Loren Legarda, for her part, said that the commission had “let pass an opportunity for the (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) to be led by someone who has the passion, integrity and political will to implement our environmental laws.”
“In such a short time, in less than a year of service, (Lopez) has already done a lot as DENR Secretary. She could have done so much more if we had given her the chance,” she said.
Also voting for Lopez’s confirmation were Senators Tito Sotto III, JV Ejercito, who said she was “highly qualified for the position,” and Francis Pangilinan, Ralph Recto, Franklin Drilon and Bam Aquino.
“It is wrong”
In a press conference after her rejection, Lopez reiterated the constitutional right of every Filipino to a “clean and healthy” environment, saying this should take precedence over any business interest.
“It is our right in the Constitution and that is ..above all. And it is the duty of government to grant our people this right. And when people make choices influenced and based on business interests transgressing the right of every Filipino to what God has given them, it is wrong..It is unfortunate that business interests in fact won today,” she said.
She also took a swipe at members of the CA who voted against her.
“Why are you there. What is your mandate? To service the people. On what pretext are you making decisions. You’re talking about this law and that mining law. My God. Why are we there? If our lawmakers don’t stand by the God-given right..what hope do we have?..What message is being given here: that if you want to be confirmed, don’t go against business interests,” she said.
When asked what her next plans where, she said she would talk to her staff first.
She, however, also offered her services to President Rodrigo Duterte, saying she could help “in terms of development.”
President Duterte as DENR Secretary
She added her “only choice” for DENR secretary was President Duterte, as the job required guts, courage and integrity.
“I can’t think of any other person…You have to step on business interests,” she said.
The Chamber of Mines released a statement on Wednesday thanking the commission for its quick decision.
“This is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter for the mining industry,” the statement said.
Lopez had sought to shut down 28 of the nation’s 40 mines and cancel the contracts of dozens of others.
Last week she also announced the ban on open-pit mining.
Mining Inc. had run a high-profile campaign to have the CA reject her, arguing she was jeopardizing the lives of 1.2 million people who were dependent on the industry.
Lopez is the second Cabinet Secretary appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to be rejected.
The first was Perfecto Yasay of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Yasay’s appointment was the commission ruled he lied about his citizenship before the body. (With a report from AFP)
