PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. has nominated Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga, a trustee of the Manila Observatory research group, as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said yesterday.
Angeles said the nomination of Yulo-Loyzaga, also chairperson of Manila Observatory’s international advisory group, “will still be subject to the fulfillment of the required documents.”
Almost all of Marcos’ nominated and designated appointees have to undergo confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.
Marcos has yet to appoint heads for the Department of Health, Department of Science and Technology, and the Human Settlements and Urban Development.
Angeles said Yulo-Loyzaga, as chair of the International Advisory Board of the Manila Observatory, advocates for more scientific research on climate and disaster resilience.
The Manila Observatory is a private non-stock, non-profit, scientific research institution established in 1865 by the Jesuit mission in the Philippines. In its website, it said it has research work in the fields of atmospheric and earth science in the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region and advocates a science-based approach to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Yulo-Loyzaga is also a member of the senior advisory board of the Armed Forces of the Philippines‘ Command and General Staff College; technical adviser of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation; member of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Secretariat (UNISDR) Asia Science and Technology Academia Advisory Group for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and leads the work theme on Education and Training for UNISDR ARISE Philippines.
Yulo-Loyzaga is also a member of the board of trustees of the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila and Ateneo de Naga University.
LOTILLA CASE
The Department of Justice said it will look into the appointment of Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla as Energy secretary, considering his current position as an independent director of Aboitiz Power and Exenor.
“We will have to study PCC rules and the DOE law of 1992 as well,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Lotilla’s selection as head of the Department of Energy was announced by Angeles on Monday. Angeles clarified Lotilla’s designation is “right now a nomination, pending clarification of his employment status.” She said under the law creating the DOE, “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.”
SECOND CABINET MEETING
The announcement of Yulo-Loyzaga’s appointment came after the second Cabinet meeting that was virtually presided over by Marcos who is still in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
Marcos, in his Facebook and Instagram posts, emphasized the importance of a stable internet signal and effective digital infrastructure to hold virtual meetings such as the one he had with his Cabinet.
“Kahit pangkasalukuyan tayong naka-isolate, patuloy ang ating mga pagpupulong at iba pang tungkulin sa pamamagitan ng internet. Marami ang maitatawid na komunikasyon sa matibay at mabisang digital infrastructure na siya ring sinisikap nating pagandahin pa (Even if we are in isolation at present, we continue to do our meetings and implement our other responsibilities through the internet. We can get communications across through a stable and effective digital infrastructure which we hope to improve),” he said.
Angeles said among the topics discussed were the proposed 2023 budget with the theme “Towards the Promotion of Broad-based and Inclusive Economic Recovery and Growth” presented by the Department of Budget and Management; the Build, Build, Build and infrastructure convergence programs presented by the Department of Public Works and Highways; and priority transportation programs and projects presented by the Department of Transportation.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said the Cabinet meeting, which also discussed issues related to the tourism industry was held from 9 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. — With Ashzel Hachero
