Philippine president spokesman says concerned about Lopez rejection, but accepts it

MANILA (Reuters) - The office of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has "deep concern" about a congressional Commission on Appointments (CA) decision to reject his choice of environment minister, but will respect the democratic process, his spokesman said on Wednesday.

"She has contributed a lot of meaningful insights into the environment and the Philippine environmental situation, and it is of course with deep concern that the CA has seen it fit to reject her appointment," Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella told reporters.