Antiqueño and ex-energy secretary tapped to reassume old post

President Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos has named the former energy secretary of Arroyo administration to again head the Department of Energy (DOE)

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles confirmed this in a statement on Monday. She however, clarified that the said designation is currently a nomination while awaiting the clarification of his employment status.

“The President has designated a new Energy Secretary, Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla. The designation of Lotilla ‘is right now a nomination, pending clarification of his employment status’. Atty Lotilla, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s personal choice to head the DOE, is currently an independent director of Aboitiz Power and also of ENEXOR,” she said.

If the appointment pushes through, Lotilla will return to his old post as he served as energy secretary under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2005 to 2007.

Lotilla, who hails from the town of Sibalom, Antique, also worked as deputy director general of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

He also teaches law at the University of the Philippines (UP) and serves as the president of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM).

Aside from Lotilla, outgoing Passi City’s Vice Mayor Jesry Palmares has also been appointed as undersecretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

The incoming DAR Usec. stepped down from his electoral post as Vice Mayor on Monday at the city government of Passi where he delivered his farewell speeches during the flag ceremony and the session at the Passi City Council.

“I may not be able to be with you all the time this time. But, this is not a farewell, this is not a goodbye. Whatever position we will have, the love to facilitate and assist comes from our heart. It is important that when we do render service, it is always done with your heart. Passi City will have the ear of the President,” he said in his farewell speech before the City Council. (DG)