MANILA, Philippines -- Former Pampanga governor Mark Lapid has been appointed acting general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), Tourism Secretary Ace Durano confirmed on Wednesday.

?Yes, we received the appointment [of Lapid] as acting general manager of PTA today [Wednesday],? Durano told INQUIRER.net.

Asked why Lapid, who lost the 2007 elections to incumbent Governor Ed Panlilio, was appointed only in an acting capacity, Durano said ?I can only assume? that, since the post of PTA general manager has a fixed term of six years, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ?might want to give the next president flexibility.?

Durano said he would ensure that Lapid is brought ?up to speed so he can immediately pursue the priorities set by [Arroyo] through the PTA board.?

?It?s my responsibility to make it work,? he added.