DOJ to study appointment of Lotilla as Energy secretary

Published July 12, 2022 12:47 PM By JOAHNA LEI CASILAO,GMA News

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will look into the possible appointment of Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla as the next secretary of Energy, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said Tuesday.

Remulla issued the remark when asked if there will be legal repercussions should Lotilla be appointed, considering his position as the independent director of Aboitiz Power and Exenor.

“Will have to study PCC rules… And the DOE law of 1992,” Remulla told GMA News Online.

On Monday, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. nominated

Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla to serve as secretary of Energy under his administration.

However, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Lotilla's appointment would depend on clarification of his employment status as an independent director.

She cited Section 8 of RA 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 (2) years from his retirement, resignation, or separation therefrom.”

Meanwhile, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said the issue will be discussed internally for the time being.

“We’ll discuss this internally muna,” he said.

Lotilla first served as Energy secretary from 2005 to 2007 during the term of then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. —KG, GMA News

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