Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte (R) administers the oath of office for the newly appointed Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu (L) prior to the start of the 15th Cabinet Meeting at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, 07 May 2017. (EPA photo)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. Mr 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. Mrs 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.

Source: Bangkok Post May 09, 2017 03:56 UTC