Former environment secretary Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez passed away today, August 19, at the age of 65 after a long bout with brain cancer.
Ms. Lopez was Duterte’s environment secretary for 10 months until May 2017 after having been rejected by the Commission on Appointments.
The feisty anti-mining advocate was seen as one of the “bright lights” of the Duterte Cabinet.
During her brief stint as environment chief, Lopez rocked the mining industry by issuing orders that were true to her promise of cracking down on companies that violate environmental laws.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go meanwhile expressed grief on Lopez’s demise calling her “passionate, dedicated and humble” as a public servant and as an Earth warrior.
“I deeply mourn with great sadness the passing of Ms. Gina Lopez today. She was a fearless advocate and a tireless philanthropist, dedicating most of her life for the betterment of her fellow Filipinos. Her exceptional dedication in protecting our environment has no equal today,” Senator Go said.
“Ma’am Gina, taus-pusong pasasalamat po sa inyong hindi napapantayang serbisyo sa kapwa Pilipino. Isa kang katangi-tanging modelo ng tunay na pagmamalasakit sa kapwa tao. May your legacy continue for the generations to come,” Go added.
