By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan as the new Chief Presidential Legal Counsel—replacing the late Juan Ponce Enrile, who died on Nov. 13.
Logan’s appointment, along with other appointees, was announced by Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a press briefing at Malacañang on Tuesday.
Logan will be replaced by Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres as Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs.
Other officials designated under the Office of the Executive Secretary are as follows:
- Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan-Tiuseco
- Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration Danielle Marie Culangen
- Deputy Executive Secretary for Financial Affairs Joseph Irvin Obenza
- Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Erwin Sta. Ana
- Assistant Secretary Alemar Mosquito
Budget concerns
Meanwhile, the Palace remains optimistic about the passing of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) despite the bicameral conference committee (bicam) hitting delays due to issues in budget allocations.
Castro said they expect Congress to ratify the proposed P6.793 trillion 2026 budget within the few days left before yearend, as no one wants a reenacted budget, which may cause delays in the implementation of projects.
“Lahat po tayo, pati ang Kongreso—ayaw po ng Pangulo ng isang reenacted budget,” Castro said.
“So, sa panahong natitira, alam natin na ang lahat ng kakayanan ay dapat na gawin para hindi mauwi… sa reenacted budget, ayaw po ng Pangulo niyan. Kahit po ang Department of Finance ay nangangamba kung magkakaroon ng reenacted budget dahil marami pong budget na made-delay na proyekto kapagka nagkataon,” she added.
When asked if the President has spoken with the bicam contingent to prevent a reenacted budget, Castro said, “Sa ngayon ay wala pa po sa ating ibinibigay na anumang impormasyon patungkol diyan.”
The bicam resumes its deliberations on the proposed budget today after being postponed on Monday due to issues involving the Department of Public Works and Highways. (with report from Harley Valbuena / PTV News)
-av
