Lopez vows to probe corrupt DENR execs

MANILA, Philippines – Secretary Gina Lopez will look into the complaints of several environmental groups regarding corrupt officials in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In a dialogue with several environmentalists at the DENR Central Office yesterday, Lopez appealed to them: “You have to believe in my judgment. Trust me because I want to choose the people I want to work with.”

A majority of the protesters led by the Alyansa Tigil Mina came from mining-affected communities in Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Zambales, Bulacan, Masbate, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

One of the officials whom the protesters identified as being liable for previously filed cases and complaints is former Mines and Geosciences Bureau director Leo Jasareno, now DENR’s senior undersecretary and head of mining audit.

ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera said the mining audit has resulted in the cancellation and suspension of 10 mining projects in Zambales, Palawan, Bulacan and Surigao del Norte.

“This is a commendable development under the leadership of Secretary Lopez,” he said.

“However, we also call for serious reforms within the DENR, and for its leadership to investigate and hold accountable officials found to have abused their authorities or violated their mandates or engaged in corruption. The sycophants and doble-cara have no place in the campaign for reforms in the DENR.”

Lopez said she had worked with Jasareno before in the ABS-CBN Foundation.