Lotilla replaces Loyzaga as environment secretary
Metro Manila, Philippines - Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla is set to be the new environment secretary, replacing Toni Yulo-Loyzaga amid her supposed “underperformance” as department head.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced the development on Friday, May 23, as among the initial changes in the administration, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. still reviewing the courtesy resignations from the rest of the Cabinet.
He said Yulo-Loyzaga is not facing allegations of corruption, but when pressed for details, Bersamin mentioned that criticisms of Loyzaga being a “jet-setter” secretary has reached Malacañang several times.
“Huwag na nating husgahan [Let us not pass judgment],” he said. “Whether inefficiency or hindi [not], that’s not up for us to do, but the evaluation showed that it was time to have her rest muna [first].”
Bersamin acknowledged that Loyzaga “underperformed” in her stint as the chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“Underperform siguro ang tawag diyan [It could be described as underperform],” he said. “Kung may expectations ang presidente [If the president has expectations] and you do not perform, the messaging is: ‘Underperformance is not going to be allowed.”
Appointed in 2022, Loyzaga took the helm of the DENR to push Marcos’ climate agenda, even on the international stage.
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During her stint, she had to face issues such as the Oriental Mindoro oil spill, Sibuyan mining controversy, the ongoing legal conflict at the Masungi Georeserve, and criticisms from some groups regarding her handling of Manila Bay reclamation projects.
Bersamin also hinted that Malacañang could give Loyzaga another Cabinet position “at a future time.”
Meanwhile, Lotilla has served as energy secretary under the governments of Marcos and former President Gloria Arroyo from 2005 to 2007.
Bersamin highlighted Lotilla’s legal background to back his “excellent” work.
But his track record on nuclear energy and fossil fuel is concerning for environmental groups, who are calling for a transition to clean and renewable energy to combat climate change.
“We challenge Secretary Lotilla to leave behind these old interests, turn a new page under his new mandate, and work to reverse the pro-nuclear and pro-fossil fuel stance of the administration,” Greenpeace Southeast Asia Executive Director Jasper Inventor said.
“Secretary Lotilla should brace himself for the highest standard of accountability from fossil fuel-affected communities, consumers, and environmental advocates alike,” Power for People Coalition convenor Gerry Arances said. “We would allow no compromise at this time of intensifying climate crisis and ecological degradation.”
Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin will be standing in as the officer-in-charge of the Department of Energy.
