President Rodrigo Duterte expresses his support to Environment Secretary Gina Lopez while being grilled in the middle of the bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA).
The President added that the country can live without mining even if it contributes P70 billion to government's treasury.
"I would rather follow Gina... Get the 70 billion somewhere else and preserve our environment," Duterte said.
It was two days ago before the said remark when Gina Lopez has yet to confirm before CA her appointment as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
"If you have something in mind about Gina Lopez, kindly rethink. And look at her passion [for the environment]," he claimed.
Apparently, 23 mining companies she has already shut down allegedly lobbying against the appointment of the environmental advocate.
They have contentions, specifically from the Chamber of Mines, that Lopez is unfit and not qualified for the cabinet position.
Vice chairman of the CA committee on environment and natural resources Ronaldo Zamora, also San Juan City representative and brother of an owner of one of the most successful mining company in the country, added that he is dissatisfied with Lopez' replies to questions thrown toward her.
Duterte, understanding the cause of Lopez' advocacy, said that mining companies has already destroyed the environment as he personally saw denuded mountains that he could not help not to support Lopez and in effect, disregard the interest of large mining companies.
"If that's the case, I have to support Lopez. And I cannot help you," Duterte asserted.
He stressed that he wanted mining companies to replace the trees they cut before leaving the place.
"I begin and end my term in the altar of public interest," he affirmed.
Source: GMA
Image: Inquirer | ABS-CBN
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