Philippine lawmakers defer decision on appointment of environment minister

Newly appointed Environment Minister Roy Cimatu speaks during a turn over ceremony at the Department of Environment in Quezon City Metro Manila in the Philippines May 10, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine lawmakers on Wednesday said they would hold more hearings before deciding whether to confirm the appointment of the country's environment minister, although some said they were likely to approve the step.

The confirmation of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu is being closely watched given the policy implications for the mining sector in the world's top nickel ore supplier.