Defeated senatorial bet Acosta gets govt post

A defeated senatorial candidate in the May 2010 elections has been appointed as presidential adviser for environmental protection, Malacañang announced on Wednesday. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Benigno Aquino III picked Juan Romeo Nereus Acosta for the position for his advocacy and skills. “Kahit nung nasa Congress pa siya (Acosta), advocacy na niya ang environmental issues. He is known for his advocacy mainly for the protection of the environment," she said. “He will be a good addition to the President’s official family given that—his long background and experience in environmental protection," Valte added. Acosta, who ran under Aquino’s Liberal Party last year, was the former representative of Bukidnon at the House of Representatives, where Aquino also came from before he was elected senator in 2007. “Pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, you are hereby appointed, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection, Office of the President," read the one-page, Aquino-signed appointment paper, a copy of which was distributed to the media on Wednesday. Acosta’s post is a Cabinet rank. Acosta, in a statement last May, revealed that President Aquino has considered him for the position of secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, but a “well-financed smear campaign" was launched against him to prevent his appointment to the post. Aquino, however, said he would appoint Acosta to another post as there are some factions opposing his appointment to the DENR. During that time, the President said Acosta will be tasked to coordinate with the ecological and environmental concerns. He will also be asked to attend meetings on his behalf. Aquino believed that Acosta would be able to help him have a better and sharper focus on environmental issues because the latter would be able to tackle it in a more in-depth manner. The ban on appointing defeated candidates in last year's polls to government posts lapsed on May 11. The first among the defeated LP members to be appointed to the Aquino administration was Manuel Roxas II, who was named secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication. Asked if other losing candidates will be appointed to the Cabinet soon, Valte said she cannot say. “We have not been advised of any other appointments other than Mr. Acosta," she said. Valte also said she is not aware of the rumored resignation of Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez. In a text message, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President is not aware of the supposed resignation of Alvarez. He added that as far as the President is concerned, Alvarez is still the Customs commissioner. — KBK, GMA News