Marcos names Alexander Lopez as National Maritime Council spox

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has named former Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Alexander Lopez as spokesperson of the National Maritime Council (NMC).

This was announced by the Presidential Communications Office on Friday. 

The PCO said Lopez, a former military officer, will speak on behalf of the NMC when it comes to issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

The NMC was created by Marcos under Executive Order No. 57 with the aim of strengthening the Philippines’ maritime security. 

It also seeks to increase the maritime domain awareness among Filipinos amid China’s aggressive tactics and threats in the region. 

Before his appointment, Lopez served as DOE undersecretary from 2018 to 2022; consultant of the same agency from 2017 to 2018; and security consultant of ABS-CBN Corp. from 2016 to 2018. —LDF, GMA Integrated News