MANILA - Environmental groups vowed to keep an eye on the priority projects of the newly appointed secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, retired general Roy Cimatu.

Greenpeace campaigner Abigail Aguilar said they are hoping Cimatu, a former Armed Forces chief of staff, could continue the reforms initiated by Gina Lopez who was rejected by the Commission on Appointments.

"Knowing how to navigate and proceed with the legal protocols and laws is good. But having real passion and genuine interest for the common good should be at the heart of an environment secretary," she told ANC on Tuesday.

Aguilar said Greenpeace is still reviewing the track record of Cimatu. She added that they are ready to reach out to the new DENR chief to discuss possible solutions to pressing environmental concerns.

Meanwhile, Aguilar said environmental groups are taking the rejection of Lopez with sadness. She said in 10 months, Lopez has done a lot.

She said Greenpeace and other groups continue to call for an investigation on the secret voting done by the CA.

"We feel that the issue of her rejection and what really happened behind it should not be swept under the rug," she said.