Secretary of Environment Regina Lopez (Photo: Philippine Star) Hanoi (VNA) – The Congress of the Philippines on May 3 rejected the appointment of Secretary of Environment Regina Lopez, who took office 10 months ago.
The Commission on Appointments of the Congress rejected the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte, which assigned Lopez as the environment secretary. She was the second member of Duterte’s Cabinet dismissed by the Congress.
As the Secretary of Environment, Lopez has ordered the closure of 23 out of 41 nickel mines of the Philippines and cancellation of dozens of mining contracts in late February to protect water resources. The order was opposed by mine owners and workers.
According to Philippine Constitution, the appointments of secretaries need approval of the Congress, however, the voting takes place long after they were assigned.-VNA
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