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BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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Saturday, May 6, 2017
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MANILA – Rep. Jerry Treñas (Iloilo City) was against the appointment of Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez as Department of Environment Natural Resources secretary.
The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday rejected Lopez’s designation in the Environment department.
Treñas was one of the 16 CA members who voted against Lopez’s confirmation via secret ballot. Only eight voted in her favor.
His decision may be “unpopular,” but he voted according to his conscience, the congressman told Panay News.
Lopez claimed that “business interests” were factored in the CA’s decision.
During her 10 months in office she ordered 28 mines closed or suspended, threatened to cancel 75 contracts, and banned new open pit mines.
Treñas maintained that business interests did not influence his decision.
“Did I talk to anyone before I voted? No. Did I attend any meeting discussing her confirmation? No,” said the congressman. “After the Senate hearing, I went home right away. Klaro ang konsensya ko.”
Treñas also denied claims that he received bribes from lobbyists.
“Iloilo City is not a mining community. Ano man akon ya sa mining kay waay man kita diri?” he said. “I represent Iloilo City. It has no mining concern.”
While he admires Lopez’s “passion, advocacy and integrity,” Treñas believes these qualities are not enough in running a government agency.
Would he still go against Lopez’s appointment if the vote was open or public?
“Whether open or secret, amo man gihapon boto ko,” Treñas stressed./PN
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