CA Panel Rejects Environment Secretary Gina Lopez‘ Appointment
On Wednesday (May 03, 2017), Environment Secretary Gina Lopez‘ appointment has been rejected by the panel of the Commission on Appointments (CA).
CA committee’s decision has already reached an executive session at the senate regarding the environment and natural resources. The recommendation of the committee has been presented to the CA plenary, which will determine if it will be adopted or rejected.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senators Manny Pacquiao and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito were the 3 senators who voted in favor for Lopez. Ejercito voted for he sees the courage of Lopez to implement the mining law even she has to face the giant mining firms.
‘It’s not often you find somebody who has that courage to go against the giant mining firms, the tycoons of the mining industry. So whatever they said about her (Lopez), let’s not miss this opportunity pass with somebody who would really implement ‘yung (the) mining law, without fear or favor,” said by Ejercito quoted by Inquirer.
The environment secretary failed to get the nod of the Commission on Appointments before the 6-weeks break of Congress last March 15, 2017, but she was reappointed again by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Lopez has ordered the suspension of five mining firms and the closure of 23 mines. She was facing criticisms and strong oppositions regarding her mining law.
The appointment of former ad interim Foreign Affairs secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. has been also rejected by the CA aside from Lopez. Yasay has been also questioned regarding his citizenship.
What can you say about the rejection of CA on the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez? Why did the Commission on Appointment as rejected her appointment? Just feel free to leave your comments and reactions for this article.
