President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla as the Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, while DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna assumes the role of acting secretary of the agency.

The announcement was made by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro during a press briefing on Friday.

Addressing speculation about Lotilla’s departure, Castro clarified, “Hindi po siya nag-resign at hindi po siya pinag-resign.”

When asked about the reason for the cabinet reshuffle, Castro explained, “According to what we have heard, ang sinabi po ay mas nais ngayon po ni Secretary Lotilla ng lighter assignment.

“Ambassador to the Holy See. Baka lagi po siya magdarasal…He chose to have a lighter assignment,” she added.

The Holy See, which operates as the central governing body of the Roman Catholic Church, functions as a sovereign entity under international law, separate from Vatican City, where the Pope resides.

Lotilla’s reassignment follows three consecutive bypassed confirmations by the Commission on Appointments (CA) for his position as Environment Secretary.

He previously served as Energy Secretary from 2022 until his transfer to DENR in June 2025. Malacañang had said on January 30 that it was reviewing Lotilla’s appointment records to ensure compliance with requirements.

Meanwhile, Cuna steps in as DENR acting secretary, where he began his public service at the department in 2008 as Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer and served until 2010.

He was appointed DENR director from 2010 to 2015, became assistant secretary in 2017, and undersecretary later that same year. Cuna has also worked as a law professor at the Arellano Law Foundation and served as Director for Legal Affairs at the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office from 1998 to 2001.