Groups say ‘oligarchs’ behind Lopez rejection; CA members, miners’ group deny accusation
Paul Christian Yang-ed
Various groups accused oligarchs and ‘big business interests’ as the reason behind the Commission on Appointments’ decision to reject Gina Lopez as DENR secretary last Wednesday.
In a message to Scientia, Leon Dulce from the environmental organization Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment, said he believes that Lopez was rejected because she stood up against big mining and other corporate interests.
Concerning the alleged lack of due process over which the audit was performed, Dulce cited the refutation made by DENR Undersecretary Maria Paz Luna who said that the big mines involved in the mining audit knew the process, participated in the audit process, and gave feedback on the results.
Dulce also added that the accusation that the audit lacked of technical know-how is actually considered a big insult to the scientists and personnel who worked in the DENR and other state agencies since the accusation makes it appear that these people have no capability to provide technical assistance within the “social justice framework” of Gina Lopez.
“Muli na namang nanalo yung mga makakapangyarihan. Nagagalit tayo pero hindi nagugulat dahil nakikita natin ngayon ang tinatawag na burukrata kapitalismo,” said Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), one of the groups that held a condemnation rally in front of the DENR Central Office after the CA’s decision was announced. Reyes explained that bureaucrat capitalism is the term used to refer to the situation where government officials use their power and position to advance business interests.
In an brief audience with media and rallyist-supporters at the DENR Central Office, Lopez herself expressed sadness as she said that with her rejection, greedy and selfish interests have won. But in a message to Scientia, Ronald Recidoro of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) denied that the rejection was secured through bribes or monetary considerations. “The large-scale mining industry is relieved that the Commission on Appointments has resolved the matter of Ms. Lopez’s appointment as DENR Secretary…She was unfit and unqualified for the position. She did not have a balanced view of her function as environmental manager and natural resource regulator,” said Recidoro. CA members Panfilo Lacson and Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas, who voted against Gina Lopez, denied being influenced or bribed by anybody, with the latter telling community news outlet Panay News, that he voted with a ‘clear conscience’ while acknowledging it was an ‘unpopular vote’.
Malacañang has still been mum on who will be Lopez’ replacement.
