Mining groups support Lotilla as new DENR chief

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) has thrown its support behind the appointment of Raphael Lotilla as the new secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

- By JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

The appointment of Lotilla, the former energy secretary, as head of the DENR is a "testament to his competence and dedication to public service," COMP chairman Michael Toledo said.

"We are confident that his extensive experience as a professor, lawyer, chief executive officer, legislative liaison and energy secretary will be invaluable in this new role," Toledo said in a statement.

Toledo said the mining industry is elated to see under the leadership of Lotilla the fruition of President Marcos' vision of maximizing the potential of the country's minerals sector.