DOE chief Lotilla steps down from post

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla — File photo

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla announced Thursday that he submitted his resignation to express his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who ordered all Cabinet secretaries to resign from their post.

Marcos’ directive came days after the midterm polls. He asserted that this move aims to “realign government with the people’s expectations.”

READ: Marcos orders courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries

In a statement, Lotilla said he resigned as DOE secretary because he wanted Marcos to “have a free hand in reorganizing his Cabinet for the remainder of his term and to express my full support for his presidency.”

Lotilla noted that DOE has been conducting a review of the administration’s accomplishments in the energy sector and the challenges that still need to be addressed.

“The mid-term is an excellent opportunity for taking stock and re-energizing the government’s efforts to serve our people better,” said Lotilla.

“We at the department and its attached agencies are one with the President in working together to realize a future for all Filipinos where energy is accessible and affordable, reliable and resilient, and clean and environmentally sustainable,” he added.

Lottilla was appointed as DOE chief in 2022. /das