Members of environmental group Greenpeace Philippines on Monday blocked the gates of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Quezon City to protest the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) rejection of Gina Lopez.
Clad in what appears to be a prisoner’s attire, at least 8 members of Greenpeace Philippines chained themselves to the gates of the DENR office, as allies carried placards saying the agency was “not open for business.”
The environmentalists also called on President Rodrigo Duterte to break protocol and reappoint Lopez.
Greenpeace Philippines said Lopez already made great strides as DENR chief by ordering the closure of supposedly irresponsible mining firms.
The group plans to maintain its blockade until Tuesday but were prepared to stay longer if needed.
Last week, lawmakers rejected the appointment of Lopez, who drew mixed reactions from mining industry players and businessmen when she ordered the closure or suspension of 28 mines and threatened to cancel 75 contracts, following an industry-wide audit.
President Duterte expressed sadness over the CA’s rejection of Lopez, saying he “really liked her passion.” Duterte also hinted that lobby money may have worked against Lopez, a statement that was slammed by some lawmakers.-
This story first appeared on ABS-CBN News and is republished with permission.
