At least seven environmental groups urged the incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. to appoint a secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who has the capability to manage natural resources of the country.
In a statement, the groups said what the country needs is a transformative change that would benefit the entire country.
"It can no longer be business as usual. We only have 3% of our primary forests left. Every year, thousands suffer and die from floods and other harmful effects of the climate crisis. As one of the deadliest countries for environment defenders, forest and ocean guardians are at high risk of violence and intimidation from organized environment crime," the groups said in a statement.
The statement was signed by leaders of the Masungi Georeserve, Earth Island Institute, Manila Observatory, Kids for Kids, Kalikasan, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines and the Living Laudato Si Philippines.
"The appointment of a secretary who will be a singular voice for nature and people in the next cabinet will be a critical pillar in the modern governance of the incoming President," the statement read.
"More than being a regulator or bureaucrat, the environment secretary must be a fierce, progressive, and passionate champion of the conservation of forests and biodiversity, the protection of environment defenders, and the enforcement of environmental laws, over and above the interests of a few," it added.