Duterte could reappoint Lopez as environment secretary

March 11, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte can reappoint Environment Secretary Gina Lopez if she is bypassed by the Commission on Appointments next week, a government spokesman said Saturday.

“We are not saying that but a (reappointment) is possible,” said Ernesto Abella said in his weekly radio interview over state-run dzRB.

Lopez said she cannot appear in Tuesday’s hearings of the commission as she will be in the US. Lawmakers were quoted as saying this means she would be deemed bypassed.

Lopez faced many people opposing her appointment in her two-day confirmation hearing at the Senate this week. The reasons range from competency to disregarding the loss of jobs from closing 23 and suspending five more  she ordered last month.

She also ordered the cancellation of 75 mineral producing sharing agreements.

Lopez said some of these mines are operating near watershed areas, which will affect sources of drinking water for residents.

No less than Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III pointed out the repercussions of such a move.

Estimates by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), which is under the Department of Finance show the closure and suspension orders will cost 17  affected cities and municipalities  in 10 provinces over P821 million annually  in foregone revenues.

Abella said Duterte respects Lopez’s position. He also said the government is mindful of the position of the lawmakers and the critics.

“So there are varied opinions and it has to be weighed. But as far as I know, as far as we can see, we can tell, the president seems to appreciate the concern of Ms. Lopez regarding the environment and…natural resources,” said Abella. DMS