Pacquiao to next DENR chief: Wait for CA nod before making bold moves

The next Environment secretary to be appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as replacement to rejected Gina Lopez should wait for the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments (CA) before making any controversial actions, Senator Manny Pacquiao said Wednesday.

“Huwag muna siya mag-aksyon. Hintayin niya ma-confirm siya,” Pacquiao told reporters in an interview.

Pacquiao is the chairman of the CA committee on environment and natural resources, which conducted the deliberations on the appointment of Lopez.

Lopez’s appointment was rejected by the bicameral body, with sources saying the vote was 16-8.

Pacquiao said he considers Lopez as his “partner,” recalling a time he planted trees with the rejected Cabinet official.

“Ayoko naman ng pro-mining. Alam niyo ba noon, partner kami ni Gina, pinangalagaan namin ang environment. Nagtatanim ako ng puno sa bundok, natutulog ako sa bundok, congressman ako noon ah,” Pacquiao said.

He said he strongly pushed for Lopez’s confirmation.

“Nag-ikot naman. Kinausap ko isa-isa. Pero hindi natin mapipilit, secret ballot yun,” Pacquiao said of the CA’s voting process on Lopez.

Lopez, who was emotional when she faced the media after the CA vote, said businesses interests prevailed over the decision of the bicameral body.

“If government co-opts to big businesses, then what hope does the poor have? What message are we giving here? If you wanna be confirmed, don’t go against big businesses,” Lopez said.

“When our lawmakers don’t stand for the constitutional right of every Filipino and rather be influenced by business interests, it’s wrong,” she added.

Lopez’s nomination faced over 30 oppositions, most of which were over her order to close 23 mining operations and suspend five others. Lopez has also canceled 75 mining contracts. —NB, GMA News