NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City
04 November 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino II led the oath taking of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras as the new secretary to the Cabinet shortly before leaving for Vientiane, Lao PDR to attend the 9th Asia Europe Meeting.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla was also sworn into office by the President as the new Energy Secretary, replacing Almendras. His governorship will now be given to Vice Governor Mimiette Bagulaya.

In a brief interview, Petilla said his post as Energy Secretary officially starts tomorrow (Nov 5) but he still has to go back to Leyte to turn over properly all his work to the next governor. He will also first undergo a briefing at the Department of Energy to get a good grip on everything before doing any specific actions as its new department head.

Both officials were joined by their families in witnessing the ceremony.

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