House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro and ACT Teachers Rep.-elect Antonio Tinio today challenged newly appointed Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael “Popo” Lotilla to demonstrate his commitment to environmental protection by siding with the people rather than profit-driven corporations.
“We challenge Secretary Lotilla to prove that his administration will genuinely serve as stewards of our environment and natural resources. The Filipino people need a DENR that will stand firm against corporate interests that have long exploited our lands, forests, and waters,” Rep. Castro stated.
“Kailangan nating isalba ang ating kapaligiran hindi lamang para sa ating henerasyon kundi para sa mga susunod pang henerasyon,” she added.
Rep.-elect Tinio expressed concern over Lotilla’s previous affiliations with industries that have historically been at odds with environmental conservation efforts.
“Secretary Lotilla’s background raises legitimate concerns about potential conflicts of interest. We urge him to dispel these doubts by implementing policies that will genuinely protect our ecosystems from destructive mining, logging, and other extractive activities that only benefit the few at the expense of many,” Tinio said.
“Ang tunay na pagsubok kay Secretary Lotilla ay kung kaya niyang ipaglaban ang kapakanan ng mamamayan at kalikasan laban sa mga mapanirang gawain ng malalaking kumpanya. Hindi na maaari ang business-as-usual approach sa DENR dahil patuloy na nanganganib ang ating kalikasan,” Tinio emphasized.
The lawmakers pointed to ongoing environmental crises across the country, including the struggles of communities like those in Masungi Georeserve, as evidence of the urgent need for stronger environmental governance.
“The cautious optimism expressed by environmental advocates like the Masungi Georeserve Foundation should serve as a reminder to Secretary Lotilla that his actions will be closely monitored. The DENR must become a genuine protector of our natural resources rather than a facilitator for their exploitation,” Rep. Castro concluded.
The ACT Teachers representatives vowed to maintain vigilant oversight of the DENR’s policies and actions under Lotilla’s leadership, emphasizing that environmental protection is inseparable from the broader struggle for social justice and people’s rights.#
