At least two members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) refuted the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that “lobby money” was involved in the bicameral body’s vote to reject the appointment of Gina Lopez as Environment secretary.
“I’m sure it doesn’t apply to me,” Senator Panfilo Lacson, one of those who voted against Lopez’s appointment, said in a text message when sought for comment.
Lacson had said that Lopez was neither fit nor qualified for the post, and that she "has authoritarian tendencies."
In a speech in Davao City, Duterte expressed regret that his appointee was rejected by the CA.
"Sayang si Gina. I really like her passion. But you know how it is. This is democracy. But lobby money talks," Duterte said.
"May mga gusto akong tao pero hindi ko kontrolado ang lahat pero I share powers. That is the process of check and balances," he added.
Manila Rep. Sandy Ocampo, who said she voted for Lopez, said: “Nobody offered me money.”
Sources earlier said that the vote on Lopez’s appointment, done through secret balloting, was 16-8, with the majority rejecting her.
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