The Roy Cimatu-Carlos Dominguez Link to the Oligarchy

As if Gina Lopez’s rejection as Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary was not painful enough, President Duterte landed a bigger blow to progressive ideals by appointing a retired military general with a chequered history to replace her.

Edward Hagedorn for Environment Secretary?

With the rejection of Gina Lopez’s appointment as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Filipino progressives are longing for another champion of the environment to be her successor.

The Oligarchy Ousts Gina

In a huge blow to the progressive wing of the Duterte administration, the Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected the reappointment of Gina Lopez as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Meet the Hardworkers

One of the many attributes of President Rodrigo Duterte is his ability to work tirelessly on pressing matters. He famously claimed that he works until midnight, disregarding normal business hours.

Change of Heart

Environmentalists became excited when President Rodrigo Duterte affirmed Environmental Secretary Gina Lopez’ decision to close down several mining companies for environmental violations. So just imagine their disappointment when the head-of-state recently had a change of heart on illegal mining. The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Gina Lopez cemented her status as a crusader for […]

The Fighter for the Environment

When it comes to protecting the environment, there seems to be no enemy worse than large-scale mining firms. They are rarely scrutinized for their environmental record and in those limited instances that they do, they writhe their way out of hefty consequences thanks to big-money defense teams and their connections in the political world. At times […]

Jobs v.s. Conservation: Palawan’s Nickelodeon Theme Park

This week, Viacom International Media, parent company of the popular children’s television network Nickelodeon announced a lucrative project in the Philippines that left Filipinos with a bittersweet reaction. The multinational corporation plans to invest $150 million on a 400-hectare Nickelodeon-branded, “underwater themed” tourist resort which will be built on the iconic and world-renowned Coron beaches. The […]

President Duterte: Retain Gina Lopez as DENR chief

One of the staunchest social activists in the Duterte Cabinet has been omitted from the list of appointees submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA). Gina Lopez, current secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has not been confirmed for reappointment when Congress went into session this month. Her name was the […]