Nickel industry backs Lotilla appointment
The appointment of outgoing Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla as Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) chief is expected to sustain progress instituted to help spur investments in the mining sector.
“We view his appointment as an opportunity to sustain and deepen the momentum toward a more predictable, science-informed, and investment-ready regulatory environment,” Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said in a statement on Monday.
PNIA said Lotilla’s “deep experience” in public policy, sustainable development and regulatory governance positioned him well to push responsible mining practices and reinforce the industry’s role in inclusive national growth.
According to the group, the incoming environment secretary’s “legacy of policy leadership” in the government and the private sector would help advance initiatives benefiting the sector.
“His decades-long engagement in energy, environmental reform and institutional development across government, academia and the private sector reflects a broad and principled approach to navigating complex national priorities,” it said.
The group said it was prepared to work with Lotilla in aligning environmental stewardship with the goals of industrial transformation and competitiveness.
“We remain committed to our shared vision of a modern, accountable and globally competitive mining industry that generates long-term value for the environment, communities and the Philippine economy,” it added.
Lotilla’s appointment earlier drew mixed reactions from various groups.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) welcomed the development, hoping he would continue the programs initiated by his predecessor, Maria Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga.
Regulatory changes
In a statement over the weekend, COMP chair Michael Toledo said the group was referring specifically to the establishment of “an enabling environment for mining, including the reduction of the mining and exploration permitting process as well as other investment-friendly initiatives.”
The antimining group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) viewed the new DENR leadership “with cautious optimism” although it was “not appealing” to the environmental and climate justice movements.
“We welcome the initiative of the Marcos administration to explore governance reforms mid-term of their tenure,” ATM had said.
Former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, who monitors the mining industry, called on Lotilla to enforce better regulatory and environmental policies that would give more benefit to the people.
In a message to reporters, Lotilla said he was still currently fulfilling his duties as secretary of the Department of Energy. His oath-taking as DENR chief is scheduled for June 10.
Yulo-Loyzaga was the first Cabinet member removed from her position in the Cabinet shakeup. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin had implied there were concerns about her performance as a government official.
Both Lotilla and Yulo-Loyzaga were appointed to their posts in 2022.
Last week, President Marcos called on all Cabinet members, officials with Cabinet rank, presidential advisers and assistants and other agency chiefs to tender their courtesy resignations, saying it was time to realign the government with people’s expectations.
