President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has designated Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla as the Philippines’ ambassador to the Holy See following the repeated bypass of his appointment by the Commission on Appointments, the powerful congressional body that confirms Cabinet nominees, Malacañang announced Friday.
Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna will serve as acting secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Lotilla neither resigned nor was asked to step down.
“He chose to have a lighter assignment,” Castro told reporters at a press briefing.
Lotilla’s appointment as environment chief was deemed bypassed three times after the Commission on Appointments failed to act on his nomination before Congress adjourned on Dec. 30, 2025.
On Jan. 30, Malacañang said it was reviewing his appointment records to ensure all requirements were in order.
Castro said the leadership change would not disrupt the department’s operations.
“To ensure continuous operations at the DENR, a smooth transition between Secretary Lotilla and Cuna is ongoing,” she said.
Lotilla has led the environment department since June 2025. He previously served as energy secretary from July 2022 to June 2025 and held posts including undersecretary of the National Economic and Development Authority under three presidents.
He also served as president and chief executive officer of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.
As ambassador to the Holy See, Lotilla will succeed Ambassador Grace Ragenia Macahilig, who has headed the Philippine Embassy to the Vatican since November 2021.
Macahilig is set to assume her new post as ambassador to South Africa next month. The Holy See post is considered one of the Philippines’ most significant diplomatic assignments, reflecting the country’s predominantly Catholic population.
Cuna, a lawyer and Career Executive Service Officer who has served in the DENR for more than 18 years, thanked the president for the appointment.
“I am honored by President Bongbong Marcos’ confidence in appointing me as DENR Secretary, and I pledge to serve with integrity, vision, and urgency for our environment and our communities,” his statement read.
