The fate of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Regina Paz “Gina’’ La’o Lopez at the bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) hangs in the balance.
This came after the CA environment committee chaired by boxing icon Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao decided yesterday to meet Tuesday morning at the Senate to review and analyze the testimonies of oppositors who want that the CA reject Lopez’s appointment during its regular Wednesday plenary session.
The CA committee members may decide to recommend the confirmation of Lopez’s appointment when the CA meets in plenary session on March 15.
If not, Lopez is deemed by-passed when the Senate and the House of Representatives go into a six-week recess starting March 18.
The meeting of committee members was decided by Pacquiao after terminating his more eight hours of public hearing where 21 oppositors were given the chance to air their views against Lopez’s confirmation as DENR chief.
Lopez conceded that the Philippines has become a nation divided following her controversial decision to close 73 mining firms which are generally owned by foreigners. (Mario Casayuran)