PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has tapped Gonzalo Duque, brother of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, as the head of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Malacañang announced Monday, July 29.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo confirmed the appointment in a text message. He did not elaborate.

The Palace has yet to release the appointment paper of the new PCA administrator.

The PCA, which operates under the Department of Agriculture, is the sole government agency tasked to develop the coconut industry to its full potential, in line with the vision of a "united, globally competitive and efficient coconut industry."

Prior to his new stint at the PCA, Duque served as member of the Social Security Commission.

Before the announcement of the installation of the new PCA chief, the Health Secretary and his brother were embroiled in controversy over a lease agreement between a company owned by their family and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. (SunStar Philippines)