MANILA, Philippines--A former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines has been named the new Solicitor General.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda announced Thursday that Joel Cadiz would take the place of Alberto Agra.

"Atty. Joel Cadiz is new Solicitor General," Lacierda said in a text message to reporters.

Cadiz was the "longest serving" IBP national president from 2003 to 2006, Lacierda said.

He was also one of the counsels of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III during the last elections.

Lacierda said Cadiz was also one of the petitioners against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Executive Order prohibiting government officials from attending congressional inquiries without her approval and Arroyo's proclamation of a state of emergency.