Job of secretary different from crusader’s, says Dominguez

A Cabinet secretary's job is different from that of a crusader, Finance Secretary Carlos "Sonny" Dominguez said on Tuesday as regards Environment Secretary Gina Lopez's stint in government.

Dominguez was asked at a press briefing in Malacañang if Lopez should be confirmed by the bicameral Commission on Appointments given her perceived stance against mining.

"That's not up to me," Dominguez said.

He then went on to indicate that being a government official entailed balancing the interests of all stakeholders instead of just pushing the advocacy of just one sector.

"We are a member of a team that was put together by President [Rodrigo] Duterte and we exert all effort to work as team members. You know being a secretary is not like being a crusader. Being a secretary is balancing the needs of the different sectors in society," Dominguez said.

"In government kasi, there are very few win-win situations. Some groups win. Some groups lose. You just make sure that the majority--your decisions cover the majority and are good for the majority," he added.

Before she was appointed environment secretary, Lopez was an active environmentalist and advocate against irresponsible mining practices.

Lopez recently ordered to suspend and close 28 mining firms and cancel 75 mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) after an conducting an audit.

"You have to have an approach that is very balanced, that is very deliberate, that is very rational, that is science-based. Sometimes, it's difficult to do it. Sometimes, you don't have enough information. Sometimes, you are driven by circumstances," Dominguez said.

"But I think every member of the government, whether secretary or director or mayor has to balance. It's a balancing act," he added. —NB, GMA News