Lobby money talks - Duterte

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed sadness over the Commission on Appointment's rejection of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.

"Sayang si Gina. I really liked her passion,” Duterte said in a speech in Davao City.

• READ: Lopez wants to serve as Duterte 'aide,' bucks running in polls

Duterte conceded that the CA was within its powers when it decided on Lopez's case.

"The President appoints but the appointee has to undergo the scrutiny of the Commission on Appointments."

He also hinted that lobby money may have worked against Lopez.

“This is a democracy. And lobby money talks. I don’t control everything,” he said.

Lopez, a committed environmentalist, angered the mining industry after ordering the closure of 22 of the Philippines' 41 mines in February to protect water resources in the world's top nickel ore exporter.

She later canceled dozens of contracts for undeveloped mines and just last week banned future open-pit mining projects as she tightened her crackdown of a sector she blames for extensive environmental damage.

The Office of the President has not made any announcement yet on Lopez's possible replacement.

Lawyer Mark Tolentino, the President's supporter and Lex Taleonis fraternity brother at San Beda, is reportedly being groomed to replace Lopez.