Aquino names Acosta adviser on environmental protection

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III has appointed defeated senatorial candidate Nereus Acosta as Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President signed Acosta’s appointment document on Wednesday. The post is with Cabinet rank, she added.

Acosta, who ran under the Liberal Party slate of President Aquino in 2010, was first expected to be appointed environment secretary after the one-year ban on losing candidates getting appointive posts lapsed in the middle of the year.