COMP Welcomes New DENR Chief With Cautious Optimism
The appointment of former AFP Chief of Staff Roy A. Cimatu as the new DENR chief has been welcomed by miners with cautious optimism.
On Monday (May 09, 2017), The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) vice president for Legal and Policy Ronald R.S Recidoro said in a text message that COMP has welcome Cimatu as the new secretary of Environment and Natural Resources.
Cimatu is a retired general and also a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1970. He also served as chief of AFP from May to September 2002.
Malacañang also announced that Cimatu has been chosen by President Rodrigo Duterte to replace Gina Lopez as the chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“His sterling record in government service speaks well of Gen. Cimatu and we hope that his appointment finally answers our long-held call for a DENR secretary who has a balanced appreciation for environmental protection and natural resources management,” said by Recidoro quoted by MSN.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines was one of the groups who were against the appointment of Lopez as DENR secretary before the bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA).
The closure of 23 mines, suspension of five mines, banned open-pit mining, and cancellation of 75 mining contracts has been ordered by Lopez as a staunch environmentalist. Lopez vacates her post after the Commission on Appointment has rejected her appointment last week.
The government under the administration of President Duterte will be working together with new COMP in promoting responsible mining in the county. They were also looking forward to with new DENR secretary Cimatu on the implementation of Philippines’ environmental and natural resource laws, according to Recidoro.
What can you say about this? Just feel free to leave your comments and reactions for this article.
