Environmental groups dismayed at CA rejection of Gina Lopez | Inquirer News

Environmental groups dismayed at CA rejection of Gina Lopez

/ 07:44 PM May 03, 2017

Gina Lopez

DENR Secretary Gina Lopez delivers a statement on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, after she was not confirmed by the CA. (Photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Cause-oriented groups on Wednesday expressed dismay over the Commission on Appointments’ decision to reject the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.

The Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (PNE), EcoWaste Coalition and Oceana issued statements of support for Lopez after the CA voted to reject her nomination.

Article continues after this advertisement

Lopez is known for her strong stand against destructive mining, resulting in the closure and suspension of several mines.

FEATURED STORIES

Kalikasan PNE “condemned” the decision while urging the lawmakers to disclose their ties and interests to the mining industry.

“We urge Pres. Duterte to ensure that the continuity of the historic mining crackdown and other meaningful reforms pushed by Sec. Lopez would be still be guaranteed,” the group said, adding that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources needs “progressive leadership.”

Article continues after this advertisement

EcoWaste Coalition described the rejection of Lopez as “a dark day in [the] nation’s fight against the onslaught of destructive mining operations.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, Oceana praised the “trail-blazing achievements” of Lopez. It lauded the outgoing secretary for “pushing for policies to sustainably protect the country’s environmentally-critical areas including protected seascapes and save them from destructive activities that threaten their ecological integrity.”

“Secretary Lopez has set the highest standards for environmental stewardship and mainstreamed partnerships with civil society organizations – a feat that merits replication by her successor,” the group said. –With a report from Kit Mayo/INQUIRER.net trainee /atm

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: DENR chief, Gina Lopez

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.