MANILA, Philippines — Environment Secretary Gina Lopez apologized for her remarks against a reporter from BusinessWorld.
Lopez called environment and agriculture beat reporter Janina Lim "a f***ing employee" in an audio recording of the latter's ambush interview of the former. Lopez was being questioned by the reporter about the secretary's recent order to mining firms to provide a trust fund for the farmlands affected by mining.
READ: Lopez stands by decision on mining rehab fund
Lopez admitted in a statement on Monday that she was "inordinately judgmental" in trying to impart her point of view, adding that she has no right to put anyone down for any reason.
"To Janina and to everyone, this might have hurt … I apologize deeply," the secretary said.
She also made it clear that her exchange with Lim is not a form of judgment on BusinessWorld or any other media outlet or journalist.
Lopez added that while asking questions is a way to move forward, it is counter-productive when it comes from a closed mind.
"There are so many journalists and economists with deep intuitive minds, objectivity with integrity, compassion with vision – that kind of standard will bring the country forward," Lopez said.
Lopez added that she has much respect for economists, journalists and the press and urged them to "keep the light shining brightly" for the country.
"I continue to hold everyone in high regard," she said. — Kristian Javier