Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News
Posted at Jun 21 2016 08:53 PM
http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/06/21/16/joma-welcomes-dutertes-choice-of-gina-lopez-for-denr

DAVAO CITY – Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison on Tuesday said he welcomes the designation of Gina Lopez as environment secretary of the incoming administration of Rodrigo Duterte.

Sison said Lopez’s designation as Duterte’s environment chief fits the communist movement’s anti-mining advocacy.

“Mabuti naman. Kasi si Gina Lopez, matagal nang advocate. Laban siya sa mining at pollutant types of energy. Angkop yung appointment,” Sison said during a video conference here.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) portfolio was earlier offered to the Left, but Duterte changed his mind.

Duterte considers the DENR post one of the most important in his Cabinet, as he seeks to end destructive mining in the Philippines.

Sison said the communist movement is open to helping Lopez in her stint as DENR chief.

Lopez said on Tuesday night that she has accepted Duterte’s offer to lead the DENR.

She said she was not an enemy of the mining industry, adding that she wants to have a dialogue with industry stakeholders to address issues.

Lopez was offered the position during a courtesy call at the Presidential Guest House in DPWH Panacan Depot, Davao City on Monday afternoon.