After being bypassed thrice by the Commission on Appointments, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla has found a higher calling — serving as the new ambassador to the Holy See.

The Holy See is the central government of the Roman Catholic Church, under the jurisdiction of the Pope, operating as a sovereign entity in international law from Vatican City.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Presidential Communications Office said Lotilla was not forced to resign by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Secretary Raphael Lotilla has been appointed Philippine ambassador to the Holy See, while President Marcos has designated Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna as acting secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” Castro said in a briefing on Friday.

Cuna is an organic DENR employee and held the post of provincial environment and natural resources officer from 2008 to 2010. He was promoted to DENR director in 2010 and became assistant secretary and undersecretary in 2017.

Cuna is also a law professor at the Arellano Law Foundation and was a Director IV, Legal Officer of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office of the Office of the President from 1998 to 2001.

Less stress

“Lotilla did not resign nor was forced to resign. From what I heard, he requested a lighter assignment. And as ambassador to the Holy See, maybe he will always pray,” Castro quipped.

Meanwhile, Castro said the process of submitting the names of acting secretaries for confirmation is ongoing.