PGMA names new DENR chief

BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 29 —- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed Undersecretary Eliazar Quinto as acting secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in a media briefing on Tuesday after the Cabinet meeting held in The Mansion House that Quinto will replace Secretary Lito Atienza who has resigned to pursue his mayoralty bid in the City of Manila.

Remonde added Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) chief Undersecretary Antonio Villar Jr. was also named by President Arroyo as chairman of Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

Remonde clarified Villar will assume as DDB chairman effective January 4 in concurrent capacity as head of PASG.

”So Usec. Villar will assume his chairmanship of DDB effective the first working day of January. I repeat in his concurrent capacity as the head of PASG,” the Palace official added.

Villar will replace former Senator Vicente Sotto III who has resigned as DDB chief to run for senator in the May 2010 elections.(PNA)

V3/rudyma

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