manila philippine lawmakers wednesday say would hold hear decide whether confirm appointment country environment minister although say likely approve step confirmation environment natural resources secretary roy cimatu closely watch give policy implications mine sector world top nickel ore supplier cimatu former soldier replace staunch environmentalist regina lopez reject legislative panel may less year office ministerial appointments country go similar process term lopez order closure suspension 26 nation 41 mine ban open-pit mine measure cimatu reverse say team still review closure suspension order pessimistic confirmation need additional hear senator tito sotto part 25-member commission appointments tell reporters apart sotto two senators juan miguel zubiri gregorio honasan also express support cimatu proud moment honasan also former soldier say hear vouch competence integrity next hear set sept. 27. mine contentious issue largely underexplored philippines follow past examples environmental mismanagement 1996 tail leak canadian-owned marcopper mine corp copper mine marinduque contaminate rivers sector contribute less percent economy percent million hectares identify state high mineral reserve mine accord government data philippine lawmakers defer decision appointment environment minister