Support for DENR’s Lopez

DAVAO CITY – The private sector here threw its support behing Environment Secretary Regina Lopez whose confirmation at the Commission on Appointments has been challenged by pro-mining groups and other business leaders. “If she continues to be fair in what she does in terms of decision making, in terms of who should do mining in what areas,” Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president Ronald Go said on Monday. He believed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was dealing fairly with industry issues and that the agency was only doing its job in making sure the environment is protected. He said the mining firms must imitate the practices of Canada and Australia, which follow a strict environmental standards in the mining industry. (Antonio L. Colina IV)