CA verdict on Gina draws mixed reactions

The decision of the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) to reject the appointment of Regina Paz La’O Lopez as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) drew mixed reactions.

Malacañang and the Department of Finance said that they respect the decision of the CA, while Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, environmental groups and church leaders slammed the verdict.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Palace recognizes Lopez had served the DENR “well” but must accept now and respect the CA decision.

“It is of course with deep concern that the CA has seen fit to reject her appointment. On the other hand, it is a democratic process and we respect their decision,” Abella said during an interview with reporters in Malacañang.

“Secretary Lopez had served the Department of Environment and Natural Resources well. She had profound insight into the deep damage of the Philippine ecological system caused by the mining industry and came up with innovative solutions to the socio-economic conditions of the affected communities,” he added. “We just have to accept what the CA has decided.”

Asked if the President may appoint Lopez to another post less prone to political maneuverings, Abella said: “That’s a possibility but we don’t know yet.”

For now, Abella said the President is “attending to the possible replacement” of Lopez.

He admitted that Lopez could no longer be reappointed to the DENR post since it was the third and final try.

Asked if the President is considering lawyer Mark Tolentino as possible next DENR secretary, Abella said: “He may be one name among many.”

On whether former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Francis Tolentino is also being considered, Abella said: “We don’t know yet. I cannot confirm that but definitely that’s one among a number.”

Finance Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin said that the DOF is respecting the CA decision.

“The Commission on Appointments is acting within its constitutional mandate, and so we respect the judgment,” Agabin said in an interview.

Agabin also disclosed that the multistakeholder review on mining companies initiated by the inter-agency Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) will proceed despite the CA’s rejection of Lopez’s appointment.

Mining industry pressure

Ejercito blasted the pressure exerted by the mining industry on the 25-member CA in rejecting the appointment of Lopez.

“The head of the House contingent (San Juan Rep. Ronald B.) Ronny Zamora (CA vice chairman) is the biggest proof that business interest prevailed in the rejection of Secretary Lopez,” Ejercito said.

The Zamora and Estrada/Ejercito families are political enemies in San Juan.

Zamora had denied direct links to the nickel mining operation of his brother. Lopez had accused the brother of Zamora for totally destroying the mountain.

During the CA plenary session, Ejercito stood up to express his regrets that the CA rejected the appointment of Lopez.

“I believe that Gina Lopez is highly qualified for the position of DENR secretary because of her commitment to serve the country and her unwavering advocacy to save our environment,” Ejercito said.

Ejercito said the previous administration saw her efforts and initiatives for the rehabilitation of Pasig River, eventually appointing her as Chairperson of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. She also launched the Save Palawan Movement and stood up to the challenge of gathering 10 million signatures to voice out that key biodiversity areas must be protected and not be ravaged by mining.

‘Rejection of change’

Greenpeace Southeast Asia executive director Yeb Saño considered the rejection of Lopez as a “rejection of change.”

“Her rejection as DENR secretary by the Commission on Appointments is very disappointing and worrying, and shows how destructive industries continue to hold Philippine lawmakers by their necks,” he said.

“The rejection undermines the reforms the current administration is pushing and could be an indicator of factions between those who have benefited from old corrupt practices and those who are genuinely advancing for true, genuine, and people-centered changes,” he added.

Gina’s acts

Lopez had earlier ordered the closure of 22 mines and suspension of four others due to serious environmental violations.

She also announced her plan to scrap 75 mineral production sharing agreements with mining companies operating within or near watershed areas.

She also came out with an administrative order requiring suspended mining companies to set aside P2 million per hectare of “disturbed land” for farmers before they are allowed to transport their stockpiles.

Just last week, Lopez imposed a ban on prospective open-pit mining. The ban covers “open-pit method of mining for copper, gold, silver and complex ores.”

Lopez on Thursday insisted that she is fit for the DENR job.

“When you make decisions based on business, you shirk your duty to the people. We should not let people suffer,” she added.

Lopez advised her successor to keep the light shining and safeguard the Constitution.

She said the next DENR chief must have “developmental experience” which she possesses.

“It’s the constitutional right of every Filipino to have a clean environment and it is the duty of the government to make sure that that right is enjoyed and protected,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kalikasan urged President Duterte to ensure that the continuity of the historic mining crackdown and other meaningful reforms pushed by Lopez would still be guaranteed.

“The principle of ensuring a progressive leadership in DENR, one that fearlessly challenges mining magnates and other oligarchs and one that serves the people and the environment, should be upheld,” it said.

Protest rallies in front of the DENR central office and at the Boy Scout Circle in Quezon City were scheduled Wednesday evening following the CA decision.

‘National disaster’

Church leaders also assailed the CA decision.

Fr. Joel Tabora, president of the Ateneo de Davao University, said the CA betrayed the environment and the nation when it rejected Lopez’s appointment.

“It is amazing that the CA rejected one of the greatest environmentalists of our day to lead the DENR,” Fr. Tabora said in his Twitter account.

“This is a national disaster. The CA has betrayed the environment and the nation,” he added.

Tabora said what the CA did was a great disservice to the nation.

“The Filipino people and the common good has lost,” he said.

Fr. Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA), said he already expected such a decision from the CA.

“The decision is expected, given the powerful lobby of the chamber of mines and the vested interest of many politicians who wantonly opted to sacrifice the interest of the environment and the poor over their own agenda,” he said.

“This is not the end. The fight for the environment and the poor victims of mining will continue!” Gariguez said.

“We need to judge now the CA members and campaign not to reelect those who voted no to environmental reform agenda being pushed by Gina Lopez,” added Gariguez. (Genalyn D. Kabiling, Chino S. Leyco, Marion B. Casayuran, Ellalyn De Vera Ruiz, and Leslie Ann G. Aquino)