The Department of Public Works and Highways completes road construction works in Gumaca, Quezon, among the critical segments in the Maharlika Highway, ahead of the Holy Week break. (Department of Public Works and Highways/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines – Raphael “Popo” Lotilla, who served as alter ego to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. twice over, is out of the Cabinet, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro announced in a press conference on Friday, February 27.

Lotilla, a lawyer who was first appointed energy chief before being moved to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will next serve as the Philippines’ ambassador to the Holy See.

“Hindi po siya nag-resign at hindi po siya pinag-resign (He did not resign nor was he made to resign),” said Castro of Lotilla.