ILOILO City – Two Western Visayas natives survived President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s surprise Cabinet reshuffle.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, a native of Sibalom, Antique, has been tapped to lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), replacing Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
Meanwhile, Energy undersecretary Sharon Garin of Guimbal, Iloilo, was designated as officer-in-charge of the Department of Energy (DOE), filling the position vacated by Lotilla.
The appointments were confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in a press briefing on May 23, following President Marcos’ call for the courtesy resignations of all Cabinet secretaries to recalibrate his administration after the May elections.
Bersamin noted Lotilla and Garin’s longstanding service and technical expertise.
He added that Loyzaga’s departure was not linked to any corruption issue but may have been influenced by perceptions of her frequent travel abroad.
“Let us not be quick to judge. The evaluation simply showed that it was time for her to rest,” Bersamin stated.
Lotilla was appointed DOE secretary in July 2022 at the start of the Marcos administration.
He s no stranger to the energy industry, having previously served in the DOE from March 2005 to July 2007 under the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Garin, on the other hand, was appointed DOE undersecretary in September 2022. The former representative to Congress of party-list AAMBIS-OWA is a lawyer and certified public accountant.
The Palace also confirmed that five Cabinet secretaries will retain their posts:
* Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque
* Finance Secretary Ralph Recto
* Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan
* Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman
* Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go
“These five will continue in their service to the people, and you can be assured that they are sincere and dedicated to their sworn duties,” Bersamin said.
The reshuffle is seen as part of President Marcos’ effort to streamline governance and boost public confidence ahead of his administration’s midterm./PN
