Energy consumer organization ILAW has welcomed the appointment of Raphael “Popo” Lotilla as Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary, calling it a timely move amid intensifying climate risks and persistent energy challenges.
As part of his Cabinet reshuffle, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently reassigned Lotilla from the Department of Energy (DOE) to the DENR, replacing Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga at the agency’s helm.
The group also praised Marcos’ designation of Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin as DOE Officer-in-Charge, commending the continuity and shared vision this leadership transition brings to the energy and environment sectors.
“The appointment of Lotilla to the DENR comes at a pivotal moment in the country’s development. With climate risks intensifying and energy challenges persisting, integrating clean energy leadership within environmental governance is both urgent and necessary,” ILAW said in a statement, adding his extensive experience in the energy sector, particularly his longstanding commitment to scaling up renewable energy, offers a promising path forward.
During his stint as Energy Secretary, ILAW said Lotilla helped drive investor confidence in the country’s clean energy landscape through the Green Energy Auction Program, recognizing renewable power not just as an environmental imperative but as a national development priority.
“His pivot to government service under the DENR reflects a growing recognition that energy and environment policies must be tackled together, not in silos,” the group added, emphasizing that Lotilla ‘s proven track record of prioritizing transparency, long-term planning, and pragmatic energy transitions “positions him to lead the DENR at a time when systems thinking and cross-sectoral collaboration are critical.”
Meanwhile, ILAW cited Garin’s ability to steer the DOE, noting her openness to evidence-based policymaking and engagement with civil society “will serve the country well in this new configuration of leadership.”
The group called on government institutions, including the DENR and DOE, to work hand in hand with communities, civil society, and the private sector in building resilient, rights-based energy and environmental systems.
“ILAW remains committed to pushing for policies that put people at the center of the energy transition. We extend our support to Secretary Lotilla and to all leaders willing to work transparently and collaboratively toward a greener, more energy-secure Philippines. Let this appointment be a turning point toward leadership that is courageous, informed, and in service of the Filipino people,” it added.
Tungkol sa ILAW
Ang ILAW ay isang non-profit grassroots organization na naglalayong ipabatid sa mas nakararami ang karapatan ng mga konsyumer sa makatarungan, abot-kaya, at abot-kamay na kuryente sa bansa. Kami ang nangunguna sa pagbibigay-diin sa mga mahahalagang isyu sa kuryente sa bansa.
Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, bisitahin ang aming Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ilawpilipinasofficial, o magpadala ng mensahe sa aming email address, [email protected].
