Duterte didn’t do all to support Gina Lopez' appointment, solons say

Some lawmakers believe that President Rodrigo Duterte didn’t do more beyond making a public declaration of his support for Gina Lopez as Environment secretary.

Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao, one of Lopez’ staunch supporters at the House of Representatives, said Duterte could have pushed the needle more, noting how the Commission on Appointments (CA) is composed of the President's allies.

“As to the question whether ginawa ba talaga ni President Duterte ang lahat, may kakulangan. Malinaw ‘yon. Maliban sa public pronouncement, the President can really muscle out with Congress kung sa tingin talaga niya karapat-dapat si Sec. Gina. Meron pa siyang magagawa, more than a public pronouncement, to convince CA members,” the lawmaker said Thursday.

“Kung talagang lubus-lubusang suportahan at i-struggle out ni Pangulong Duterte si Sec. Lopez, kaya niyang gawin ‘yon, especially the House contingent,” he added.

ACT-Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, who is also of the Makabayan bloc, noted the same observations.

“May ibang usapin naman na pinauubaya na sa kaalyado. Alam naman natin, kung gusto talaga ng Presidente, may paraan na ipaabot, whether sa House or Senate … It would seem hindi ganu’n ang nangyari dito,” he said.

Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe said the CA vote came before the Office of the President could even decide on the fate of the mining companies that were ordered closed or suspended by Lopez.

Batocabe noted such development may have revealed where Duterte really stands on the issue.

“‘Di na hinintay ng CA na ang bola ay ilagay sa mesa ng Presidente. Alam mo, lahat ng closure orders ng mining firms, nasa opisina ng Presidente. Ngayon, depende na sa kaniya kung anong magiging direksyon ng polisiya. Sayang, nalaman sana natin ang direksyon ng Pangulo,” he said.

“We will learn na lang after, with the next appointment,” he added.

Casilao, Tinio, and Batocabe were among the lawmakers who said they were disappointed by the CA rejection of Lopez as Environment secretary, whose fate in government service was decided in a secret vote on Wednesday.

According to Lopez’ sources, the vote count was 16-8 with the support for her appointment coming mostly from opposition lawmakers that included members of the former ruling Liberal Party (LP).

The House contingent supposedly voted against her confirmation, except for Manila Rep. Sandy Ocampo who made it public that she voted in favor of Lopez, likely the only member of the lower chamber who did so. — VDS, GMA News