PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has nominated Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla as secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) under his administration, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said on Monday, July 11, 2022.

Angeles said Lotilla’s appointment remains a nomination “pending the clarification of his employment status.”

Lotilla is currently an independent director of Aboitiz Power and Enexor.

Angeles cited Section 8 of Republic Act 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 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 served as the department’s secretary from 2005 to 2007, during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He also served as president of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation and a deputy director general of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda).

He is also a law professor at the University of the Philippines where he earned his law degree. (SunStar Philippines)