MANILA - The Philippines' new Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said on Tuesday he can allow mining in the country as long as it is done responsibly, and he would do his job well in the interests of the Filipinos.

Cimatu, a former army general, also told radio station DZBB that he wants to meet his predecessor, Regina Lopez, to get her insight on policies.

• Ex-AFP chief Cimatu replaces Lopez as Environment secretary

Lopez had ordered the closure of more than half the country's mines and was dismissed last week by a panel of lawmakers who scrutinize appointments.

The Chamber of Mines, which had actively campaigned against the confirmation of Lopez, said it looked forward to working with Cimatu.