MANILA -- Undersecretary Graciano Yumul will remain as officer-in-charge of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), a Malacanang official said Wednesday.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Yumul will stay at least within the appointment ban of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the upcoming barangay and youth council polls on October 25.

“I don’t think that was (Pagasa position) exempted. I will check with Office of the Executive Secretary if we applied for exemption for that position,” added Valte.

Malacanang earlier requested for an exemption from Comelec to allow them to make appointments in more than 100 crucial positions in government.

The ban took effect last September 25 and will last until November 10.

Yumul was reportedly to be replaced effective November 11 despite earning praises for his performance in attending to super typhoon Juan. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)