Over 20 oppositions filed vs. Gina Lopez confirmation

At least 23 sworn oppositions have been filed against the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.

A notice from the Commission on Appointments (CA) committee on environment and natural resources dated March 6 lists the 23 oppositors against Lopez, including the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Surigao del Norte.

At least 12 oppositions were also filed against the closure order of mining operations.

Last month, Lopez ordered to close 23 mining operations and suspend five others following a months-long audit. She also canceled 75 mining contracts.

The 23 mining companies ordered closed are located mostly in Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and in Benguet, Bulacan, Zambales, and Eastern Samar.

The CA notice said Lopez's confirmation hearing is scheduled to push through on Wednesday, March 8.

Lopez, however, earlier said that her confirmation hearing will be pushed back to May, as she will be out of the country.

"May 3, because I'm leaving the country in March din eh. So if I have it on Wednesday and there's 19 oppositors, then it might not finish so I asked [Senator Emmanuel "Manny" D.] Pacquiao I'll make it May na lang," she said.

Pacquiao currently sits as the CA environment committee chair.

Pacquiao earlier said that while he is in favor of Lopez being confirmed by the CA committee, the decision is not entirely up to him.

“Sumakit na nga ulo ko sa dami ng oppositors na naka-abang and then siyempre as chairman, papakinggan natin yung panig nila and yung ibang members, hindi natin mapipigil sila kung ayaw nila,” Pacquiao said.

He said some CA members, mostly from the House contingent, are opposing the confirmation of Lopez. —ALG, GMA News