President Duterte has appointed Jesus Melchor Quitain as his new chief presidential legal counsel, Malacañang announced on Tuesday, October 19.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced the replacement during a virtual press briefing.
The President’s long-time legal counsel Salvador Panelo is eyeing a seat in the Senate.
READ: Panelo is Duterte's 'favorite' senatorial bet
Quitain was named the officer-in-charge (OIC) in 2018 when then Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go ran as senator.
He served as city administrator in Davao City when the President was the city mayor.
Roque said there are no replacements yet for Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones and Informations and Communications Technology Secretary Gringo Honasan III who are also gunning for a seat in Senate.
READ: DAR Sec. Castriciones steps down for 2022 polls
“Wala pa po akong balita (I have no news yet,” the spokesman stated.
Panelo, Castriciones, and Honasan have all been endorsed by the President to run in the senatorial slate of the PDP-Laban's under Cusi faction.
Appointive officials who file their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) are deemed resigned from their positions.
The campaign period starts in February next year.