Aquino appoints Petilla as new Energy chief

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III, during his business trip to Australia, confirmed that Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla will assume the position of Department of Energy (DOE).

President Aquino, in an interview, by journalists said Petilla’s experience in the private sector was the main factor that he was chosen as the DOE chief.

The governor in several interviews did not confirm his appointment as DOE Secretary even the President himself in his latest visit to the province made such announcement.

With the appointment of Petilla as new DOE Secretary, Jose Almendras will assume the position of the Cabinet as secretary.

In a television interview with Almendras over ANC, he advises Petilla not to be too sensitive and pray a lot, adding once Petilla assumes the DOE post he will be facing energy problem in Mindanao and the fuel price.

The Provincial Government of Leyte will have be under the leadership of the incumbent vice governor, following the rule of succession while her post is to be filled-up by the Board Member Florante Cayunda Jr. (5th District, Leyte).

Vice Governor Mimiette Bagulaya, for her part, said: “This is not new to me and I already know how everything works in the executive branch.”

The appointment of Petilla, according to Bagulaya, could help the province and would also allow the governor to share his expertise in handling organization as big as the DOE.

Governor Gerardo Espina Jr. said the appointment of Petilla as the new DOE Secretary is a pride for the region.

“I know him and his work ethics… I knew that he can handle that department very well,” Espina said.

Espina added just like the province of Leyte where the biggest geothermal plant in Asia and second in the world is located, his province is now in the steps of having a source of energy that comes from natural gas, the governor can come-up with solutions to the emerging problem on energy shortage just like what is happening in Mindanao. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)