(Eagle News) — The Commission on Appointments is resuming today the confirmation hearing of Gina Lopez as environment secretary.
Lopez–who faces opposition from several mining companies—was bypassed after two consecutive hearings last month.
She was only reappointed to the position by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 17.
The powerful body is set to implement new rules, which consist primarily in deciding whether to confirm or reject an appointment if the appointee has been bypassed three times.
Lopez—known as a staunch anti-mining advocate—ordered the closure and suspension of 28 mines in February for alleged violations of regulations.
Last week, she implemented the banning of selected open-pit mines nationwide.