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Palace defends CA ruling vs. Gina Lopez


Malacañang on Sunday defended the Commission on Appointments' (CA) decision to reject the appointment of Gina Lopez as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Some members of the Commission have decided according to their principle and conscience and even came out to explain their votes,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

Abella made this statement as he explained President Rodrigo Duterte's comment that "lobby money talks" following the CA's junking of Lopez's appoinment.

He said Duterte “respects the independence” and Duterte's comment was only meant to “highlight the existence of certain vested interests in the appointment of officials.”

“This, however, does not in any way diminish the integrity of the Commission on Appointments,” he added.

Several members of the CA came out to deny receiving lobby money in exchange for their supposedly secret vote against the appointment of Lopez.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a member of the body who voted to reject Lopez’s nomination, said Duterte’s claim was an “assault” on the bicameral body’s integrity.

“I think it is unfortunate if not inappropriate and uncalled for. It is a sweeping assault not only on the integrity of the members of the CA who voted for rejection but the CA itself, being an independent constitutional body,” Lacson said.

“I am almost sure those members who are his staunchest allies in both houses of Congress will not cast their votes without first seeking his guidance,” he pointed out.

On Sunday, Abella underscored that the President “respects” the CA’s independence.

“The fact that he did not interfere during the confirmation process of the erstwhile DENR Secretary shows his deference to the body,” he said. —Rose-An Jessica  Dioquino/ALG, GMA News

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