Senators back Lopez’s DENR appointment

Gina Lopez Photo by Jovic Yee

Several senators support the appointment of antimining advocate Gina Lopez as the next secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), citing her decades-long experience in fighting for the protection of the country’s natural resources.

Sen. Bam Aquino believed Lopez would do a good job in her new post and would be an asset to the Duterte administration.

“Gina is right for the position because she knows the roots of the problems and there are a lot of solutions she could propose and implement to protect natural resources,” Aquino said in a statement.

He noted that she chaired the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, and launched Bantay Kalikasan, which promotes environmental protection, education and eco-tourism.

Sen. JV Ejercito also hailed Lopez’s advocacy for the environment and her integrity.

On Lopez’ antimining stance, Ejercito said he believed she was not against mining itself, but irresponsible mining.

According to him, he saw her point when she raised the fact that mining towns have remained poor and did not seem to benefit from the industry.

“They are the ones who are supposed to enjoy the benefits first,” he told reporters.

Sen. Loren Legarda, an advocate for climate change measures and Global Champion for Resilience by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, promised to help Lopez in her new job.

But not all environmental advocates welcomed Lopez’ appointment.

“While we appreciate what Ms. Gina Lopez has done for the antimining advocacy, we recognize that her appointment to the position of DENR  secretary is a big blow to the aspirations of the poor that finally  somebody who really cares for the poor and the environment is in that key  position,” activist Franciscan priest Pete Montallana, said in an open  letter to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.