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Palace accepts but airs 'deep concern' over CA decision to reject Gina

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Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/news/05/03/gina-lopez-rtr-050317.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Gina Lopez. <cite>Reuters</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday expressed &quot;deep concern&quot; over the Commission on Appointments&#x27; (CA) rejection of Gina Lopez as Environment Secretary, even as it deferred to the decision.Speaking to reporters, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Palace respects the bicameral body&#x27;s decision, which followed lengthy hearings to assess Lopez&#x27;s fitness for the post. “She has contributed a lot of meaningful insights into the environment and Philippine environmental situation. It is of course - it is with deep concern that the CA has seen fit to reject her appointment,” Abella said. “On the other hand, it is a democratic process and we respect their decision. At this stage, we will leave it at that,&quot; he added. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">WATCH: Palace reaction to the rejection of Gina Lopez&#x27; appointment <a href="https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews">@ABSCBNNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/3tEnwQvb1L">pic.twitter.com/3tEnwQvb1L</a>— Dharel Placido (@dgplacido) <a href="https://twitter.com/dgplacido/status/859652249034801154">May 3, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charSet="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script>Sixteen members of the CA- enough to constitute a majority- voted against Lopez Wednesday afternoon. It was not clear how many voted in favor or if there were abstentions. Lopez is the second appointee of President Duterte to get rejected by the bicameral body. The CA earlier thumbed down the appointment of Perfecto Yasay Jr., the President&#x27;s pick for Foreign Secretary, due to citizenship issues.During her time as environment chief, Lopez angered the mining industry after ordering the closure of 22 of the Philippines&#x27; 41 mines in February to protect water resources in the world&#x27;s top nickel ore exporter.She then cancelled dozens of contracts for undeveloped mines and, just last week, banned future open-pit mining projects as she tightened her crackdown of a sector she blames for extensive environmental damage.Mining corporations, geology experts and students, and community leaders in shutdown mining areas, were among more than 20 oppositors who registered their dissent to Lopez&#x27;s appointment during CA hearings in March. Abella said the Office of the President has yet to make an announcement on Lopez’ possible replacement, amid earlier reports that President Rodrigo Duterte’s partymates and supporters have endorsed the appointment of lawyer Mark Tolentino.Tolentino happens also be from Duterte’s law school, San Beda College, and the President&#x27;s fraternity, Lex Talionis.Despite strong opposition to Lopez’ appointment, Abella said Duterte threw his full support behind his choice for environment secretary.“That’s a next step, if he feels he needs to do that. However, at this stage I’m assuming the President accepts, is aware of the position. We’ll just have to wait for his next step,” Abella said when asked whether Duterte will wield his influence to shake up the influential CA.

Malacañang on Wednesday expressed "deep concern" over the Commission on Appointments' (CA) rejection of Gina Lopez as Environment Secretary, even as it deferred to the decision.

Malacañang on Wednesday expressed "deep concern" over the Commission on Appointments' (CA) rejection of Gina Lopez as Environment Secretary, even as it deferred to the decision.

Palace accepts but airs 'deep concern' over CA decision to reject Gina

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Palace accepts but airs 'deep concern' over CA decision to reject Gina

Dharel Placido,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 03, 2017 04:16 PM PHT

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Updated May 03, 2017 04:23 PM PHT

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Gina Lopez

Rodrigo Duterte

Commission on Appointments

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