Pimentel urged to conduct probe on ‘lobby money’ behind CA’s rejection of Lopez

Sato, who was among those who intensely grilled Lopez during the previous hearings, said there are two major issues Lopez failed to address. (Photo: Gina Lopez/ Facebook)

MANILA–A member of the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) has urged Senate President Koko Pimentel to look into the allegations that “lobby money” influenced the rejection of Regina Lopez’s appointment as environment secretary.

In a statement on Sunday, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato urged Pimentel, who is also chairman of the CA, to investigate the “lobby money” claim against members of the appointments body and to mete out appropriate actions, “if necessary”.

“I believe inaction will be a disservice to our people and to our country,” said Sato.

Earlier, Senator Panfilo Lacson called for an investigation into allegations that CA members were influenced by financial consideration following President Rodrigo Duterte’s insinuation that Lopez was not confirmed because “money talks.”

The lawmaker said the CA’s mandate is to serve as an effective check to the appointments of the President, and its recent decision not to confirm Lopez demonstrates the “independence of the current CA.”

“It is a collegial body composed of representatives from the Senate and the House of Representatives who are duty bound to determine the fitness and qualification of cabinet appointees free from undue influence,” she said.

“Any allegation that undermines the integrity and independence of the CA must be taken seriously,” she added.

The CA accorded the ad interim appointment of Lopez four hearing sessions, the most number of hearings given to any Duterte appointee.

Sato, who was among those who intensely grilled Lopez during the previous hearings, said there are two major issues Lopez failed to address.

Sato said the feisty Cabinet secretary admitted to issuances that “had no basis in law”.

Lopez’ issuances include prohibiting mining in all watersheds, ‘changing’ mining audit standards and imposing additional financial obligations on the mineral ore exports of mining firms – whether they were suspended or not.

“Her tendency to use her prerogative over established rules and regulation and ignore due process is an utter disregard for the rule of law and shows a lack of understanding of the function and role of the Executive Department,” Sato said.

Sato said the second issue is Lopez setting aside civil service rules by hiring 55 ‘consultants’ and officials, designating unqualified personnel to managerial and supervisory positions and leaving 50 career personnel in floating status.

“Both the Civil Service Commission and the Commission on Audit have issued adverse rulings on this matter. The decision of Ms. Lopez to manage the Department in this way has brought on demoralization and undermined professionalism in the DENR bureaucracy,” the solon said.