Lopez faces final hearing before CA. Appointment was rejected twice last month . Scouting for a replacement: Tolentino shortlisted?

Lopez hearing by CA.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

These are viciously tumultuous times in the Philippines, some would say. But, there are others who may not agree. After the chaotic past where innumerable deaths did take place, the nation is now poised to resume normalcy.

On the other hand, there are knowledgeable people who stress that these events are not unusual for a struggling democracy. Look around to various countries like the Philippines and you may agree that all is well.

However, if you analyze each event keeping the war of drugs in your mind, you may misinterpret the situation. Thus, your judgment is likely to reach flawed conclusions.

The final hearing

Today, the Commission on Appointments (CA) resumes the hearing to confirm or reject the appointment of the Environment Secretary. Gina Lopez, a former activist handpicked by President Duterte to head the environment portfolio.

She did have the credentials to clean up the mess created by the mining mafia. Little did she know that she would face a monumental opposition to her appointment.

But, there are still objections from the mining industry to her appointment. They renewed their call to the Commission of Appointments (CA) not to accept her candidature to the important post.

However, the official corridors are not worried on this count. The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) believes that The Commission on Appointments (CA) can ward off pressures from all lobbies and will do the right thing both by the candidate and the post.

Led by Senator Manny Pacquiao is capable of doing a good impartial job in appointing or rejecting the Secretary designate. Lopez faced stiff opposition from the rank and file of the mining industry who filed petitions against her.

Consequently, the Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected her twice in consecutive meetings last month.

However, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed her once again on April 17. Moreover, she has powerful opponents in the cabinet. The main accusation against her is that she staunchly opposes extractions in all forms.

We would like to have a responsible head of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) that knows all the rules. Ronald Recidoro, Vice President, Legal and Policy of the Chamber of mines, stated this.

Recidoro stated that the incumbent should be able to strike a veritable balance between exploitation and protection.

The chamber is gearing up to exercise its legal option in connection with the nationwide banning of prospective open-pit mines.

Nelia Halcon, Executive Vice President, The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) explained the reasoning of the mining fraternity.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) lays down the DOs and DONTs of the mining industry. Consequently, it is necessary to mention any new rules prohibiting any type of mining.

Moreover, since the Congress frames the rules, any orders to the contrary are a transgression on the powers of the Congress.

Therefore, she is contradicting the lawmaking body and overstepping her scheduled powers.

In an action last February, Lopez suspended and closed 28 operating mines. The department accused them of violating environmental compliances and other provisions of the mining act.

Later, she cancelled 75 more mining contracts. She banned, last week, open-pit mining for copper, gold, silver and complex ores all over the country

The replacement?

Meanwhile, various lobbies have already shortlisted the replacement for Lopez since this is the last and final hearing for her.

Professor Mark Tolentino, a young lawyer from Mindanao, will replace her. An alumnus of Duterte’s college, the San Beda Law School, Tolentino ran for Mayor of Cabadbaran City in the elections last May.

But, all that depends solely on the outcome of the third hearing against the appointment of Lopez.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Umrao Singh
umraoz.wordpress.com
Written for: Lars-Magnus Carlsson.
www.thephilippinepride.com
Tuesday, May 02, 2017

Comments

comments