Outgoing Agrarian Reform secretary Rafael Mariano joins supporters outside the Philippine Senate after the Committee on Appointments rejected his confirmation on Wednesday. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA- "Tuloy ang laban."

This was the message of former Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano to his supporters after the Commission on Appointments rejected his ad-interim appointment on Wednesday.

Mariano, a peasant leader, met with his supporters outside the Senate and vowed that he would continue serving local farmers.

"Bigo man si Ka Paeng pero magpapatuloy pa din ang kaniyang pagsisilbi sa mga magsasaka," he said.

"Tuloy ang laban para sa tunay na programang pang-agraryo," he added.

At least 13 lawmakers from the powerful bicameral body voted against Mariano's confirmation on Wednesday, making him the second left-leaning appointee ousted from Duterte's Cabinet after former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

President Rodrigo Duterte had appointed leftists into his cabinet as he sought to broker a peace deal with leftist rebels. The rejections came amid a suspension of the peace negotiations following rebel attacks on state forces.

Despite the rejection, Mariano thanked the public for supporting him during his term.

"Ako'y nagpapasalamat sa inyong naging pagtanggap sa akin sa mahigit isang taon na aking ipinaglingkod para sa uring magsasaka," said Mariano, a former Anakpawis party-list representative.

Other appointees of President Rodrigo Dutere that failed to get the CA's nod are Perfecto Yasay Jr. for foreign affairs and Gina Lopez for the environment portfolio. -with a report from Abner Mercado, ABS-CBN News