By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) said they are dismayed over the decision of the Commission on Appointments (CA) to reject the appointment of Gina Lopez as head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
GAWA Secretary-general Wennie Sancho, in a text message, said it is unfortunate that the interests of big mining companies prevailed over the welfare of the Filipino people.
Sancho said Lopez possessed the passion and ability to regulate the mining industry in her desire to implement the right of the people to live in an environment where our natural resources are not exploited.
“Lopez is right, if you want confirmation, don’t go against big business interests,” Sancho said.
The group also commended Lopez for her courage and bravery as an advocate to protect the environment, while they condemn the CA for their “unjust decision.”
Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, meanwhile, said while he respects the decision of the CA, he also finds it as unfortunate not to approve Lopez’s appointment.
Lacson added Lopez clearly showed her willingness to go head on against miners who have violated the mining law and destroyed the country’s environment.
Lopez is the second appointee of the President Rodrigo Duterte administration to be rejected by the commission, following former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.
Recently, Lopez proposed a number of reforms within the agency, including title reform, revising emission standards, introducing new fees for special use agreement protected areas, the creation of the Philippine Forest Certification System, among other items.
During her tenure at the DENR, Lopez ordered the closure of 22 mines and the suspension of four operations, along with proposals to scrap 75 mineral production sharing agreements./WDJ