President Benigno Aquino 3rd has appointed outgoing Gov. Jericho “Icot” Petilla of Leyte province as secretary of the Department of Energy (DoE), replacing Jose Rene Almendras, who was named secretary to the Cabinet.

This was announced by President Aquino in an interview in Sydney, Australia, which was aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan (dzRB). He said that Sec. Julia Abad will remain as head of the Presidential Management Staff.

“We can confirm, as stated by the President, that Secretary Almendras will be appointed as Secretary of the Cabinet and Governor Petilla will be appointed to the DoE,” Palace deputy spokesman Abigail Valte said.

Petilla, a member of the Liberal Party, is on his third and last term as governor of Leyte province. He planned to run for senator in 2007 under the Arroyo administration’s ticket but backed out.

With Petilla assuming the new post, his present elective position will be filled by Vice Gov. Mimmiette
Bagulaya. Senior board member Jun Cayunda will sit as vice governor.

Petilla, 49, taught at the Ateneo de Manila University before entering politics. He also served as consultant to Meralco, Security Bank, and Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corp. He is the son of former governor Leopoldo Petilla of Leyte and Mayor Remedios Petilla of Palo. He and wife Frances Ann have five children.

As Secretary of the Cabinet, Almedras’ task would be to ensure compliance of government department executives with presidential directives. He is a close and long-time friend of the President who has built a reputation as a good administrator.

Before being appointed to the Energy post, Almendras was the president of Manila Water. He was also a treasurer of Aboitiz and Co. and Aboitiz Equity Ventures.