Lotilla, on the other hand, will be appointed as the Philippines' ambassador to the Holy See.
This was announced by Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro in a press briefing on Friday, Feb. 27.
With the latest development, Castro clarified that Lotilla neither resigned nor was asked to resign.
"Hindi po siya nag-resign at hindi po siya pinag-resign (He did not resign, and he was not asked to resign)," Castro said.
When asked about the reason behind the change in leadership in the Environment department, Castro said Lotilla chose to handle a lighter assignment.
"Mas nais ngayon ni Secretary Lotilla ng lighter assignment (Secretary Lotilla wants to have a lighter assignment). He chose to have a lighter assignment," Castro added.
Before being designated as acting secretary of the DENR, Cuna began serving in the department in 2008 as Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer until 2010.
He was also appointed as a DENR director from 2010 to 2015.
In 2017, he became assistant secretary and was later promoted to undersecretary in the same year.
Cuna also served as a law professor at the Arellano Law Foundation and as Director IV and Legal Officer of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office under the Office of the President from 1998 to 2001.
According to Castro, a smooth transition between Lotilla and Cuna is ongoing to ensure the continued operations of the DENR.
Meanwhile, the process of submitting acting secretaries for confirmation is also continuing.