Pichay to local water authority

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has named former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero A. Pichay, Jr. as head of the Local Waterworks and Utilities Administration (LWUA), adding him to the list of losing politicians appointed to government posts. The appointment was disclosed by Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita in phone patch interview with Palace reporters Wednesday. Mr. Pichay will replace LWUA Acting Chairman Proceso Domingo. In a text message to reporters, a ranking Palace source who refused to be identified said Mr. Pichay’s appointment was signed Aug. 20. The source said Mr. Pichay will be named acting member of the LWUA board that will elect its chairman. Mr. Pichay was one of the senatorial bets of the administration coalition Team Unity in the 2007 midterm elections. The appointment makes Mr. Pichay the fourth losing senatorial bet given an official post after Michael T. Defensor, who was named head of a task force to ensure the smooth opening of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, Vicente C. Sotto III, now chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, and Ralph G. Recto now National Economic and Development Authority director-general. - BusinessWorld