Arroyo’s energy secretary Popo Lotilla is Marcos’ choice as DOE chief

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has nominated Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla to serve as secretary of energy under his administration, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said on Monday.

Angeles, however, said Lotilla's appointment would depend on a clarification of his employment status as an independent director of Aboitiz Power and Enexor.

The press secretary cited Section 8 of RA 7638 or the Act Creating the Department of Energy which provides, “No officer, external auditor, accountant, or legal counsel of any private company or enterprise primarily engaged in the energy industry shall be eligible for appointment as Secretary within two (2) years from his retirement, resignation, or separation therefrom.”

"Thus, while the matter is reviewed to determine whether an independent director is considered an officer of the company, Lotilla is considered a nominee," Angeles said.

Lotilla first served as energy secretary from 2005 to 2007 during the term of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now a House member representing Pampanga and a key ally of the present administration.

The returning secretary of energy was also the president of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation and a deputy director general of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Lotilla is also a professor of law at the University of the Philippines where he earned his law degree.

He obtained his Masters of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. —NB, GMA News