Duterte reappoints Cabinet members
EMBATTLED Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez led a list of three other Cabinet members who have been reappointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte for renewed consideration by the Commission on Appointments (CA) after Congress resumes its session in two weeks.
The constitutional body did not decide whether to confirm or reject the ardent environmentalist, who has launched a crackdown on miners she deems irresponsible, sanctioning nearly a hundred so far since early February.
Ms. Lopez’s name and those of three other Cabinet members were included in the list of nominations and appointments received by the CA as of Monday, April
17. The others were Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael V. Mariano, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean R. Ubial and Social Welfare Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo.
In February, Ms. Lopez ordered the closure of 23 out of the country’s 41 operating metal mines and the suspension of five others — a step then backed by Mr. Duterte. Later that month, she also canceled 75 permits for mines still in the exploration stage. Of these mines, Ms. Lopez said the majority committed violations for operating in watersheds — but this assertion has been challenged as lacking technical and legal basis.
Ms. Lopez’ confirmation hearing was set for March 8 but this was rescheduled twice. She then sought deferment to May 3, saying she had to be at a retreat on March 11.
Groups opposing Ms. Lopez include the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CoMP) which argued that her alleged bias against the mining industry made her “grossly unfit” and “incapable of a responsible, fair, just and balanced” administration. The same group also accused Ms. Lopez of taking shortcuts on legal and administrative processes to sanction miners allegedly without legal basis. CoMP declined to comment on Ms. Lopez’s reappointment and said it will release a statement today.
Congress went on recess on March 18 and will resume its session on May 2.