PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Jesus Melchor Quitain as the new chief presidential legal counsel.

This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque during his televised briefing on Tuesday, October 19.

“Inappoint ng Pangulo si (The President has appointed) Jesus Melchor Vega Quitain bilang kanyang (as his) chief presidential legal counsel,” Roque said.

Quitain replaced Salvador Panelo, who is running for senator in the 2022 national elections.

Prior to his appointment, Quitain was the officer in charge of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (Osap).

He was the city administrator when Duterte was a mayor in Davao City.

The 19th City Council, through a resolution passed on the same day, congratulated Quitain for his appointment.