MANILA, Philippines – Josefina Patricia Magpale-Asirit is the new Commissioner of the Energy Regulatory Commission. She is the niece of Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras, and is the daughter of Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

On Friday, July 26, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced President Benigno Aquino III appointed Asirit to the post.

Asirit, a lawyer, is the former undersecretary of the Department of Energy, and worked alongside Almendras when he still headed the department. Almendras is one of the Cabinet members closest to the President.

Asirit is the daughter of Magpale, a member of the Liberal Party, who came into prominence in December last year, when she became acting governor of Cebu after the suspension of then Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia. Garcia is a member of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Asirit went on leave in January to help Magpale’s bid to return as Vice Governor of Cebu in the midterm elections. Magpale won.

According to Valte, Asirit started as Commissioner last July 11. Her 7-year term ends on July 10, 2020. – Rappler.com