MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed former senator Vicente "Tito" C. Sotto III to the Dangerous Drugs Board, where he is also its acting chairman, a senior Malacañang official said.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the appointment was based on the track record of Sotto, an anti-drug advocate.

"He played a significant role in the passing of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and while he was vice mayor of Quezon City, his major project is anti-drugs campaign," Ermita justified.

Sotto's appointment came more than a year after losing the May 2007 senatorial elections.

Ermita said it was possible that more losing administration senatorial candidates could be appointed to government.

"Hindi sila malilimutan ng ating Pangulo [The President won?t forget them]," Ermita said, adding that President Arroyo helped pick the Team Unity candidates and from that time, has known the capacity of each and whether they would be fit in any government post.