Ayon sa pahayag ni Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, labis silang nagdadalamhati sa pagpanaw ng isa sa mga maituturing na “most passionate” na naging cabinet member ni Pangulong Duterte.
Inalala ng Malakanyang ang pagiging matapang ni Lopez sa pagharap at pagtugon sa pansariling interest ng mining sector.
“Secretary Lopez took the bull by the horns when she fiercely fought powerful interests in the mining sector, as well as in industries having negative effect on our ecology. She would be greatly missed,” pahayag ni Panelo.
Sinabi ng palasyo na ang legasiya ni Lopez lalo na ang pagiging advocate nito sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan ay mananatili.
“The Palace deeply grieves the demise of one of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s most passionate Cabinet members whose environmental advocacy and legacy remains unparalleled to this day,” ayon kay Panelo.