Former Energy and Environment Secretary Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla has been confirmed as the Philippines’ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See, following approval by the Commission on Appointments (CA).
At its plenary session on March 11, 2026, the CA gave its consent to Lotilla’s nomination, formally confirming his diplomatic posting to the Vatican.
His appointment also carries concurrent jurisdiction over the Sovereign Order of Malta, a Catholic lay religious order with humanitarian missions worldwide.
Lotilla, who previously served as Secretary of Energy and Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, brings extensive experience in public policy and governance to the diplomatic role.
His appointment comes as the Philippines continues to maintain close ties with the Holy See, a relationship rooted in the country’s deep Catholic heritage and longstanding diplomatic engagement with the Vatican.
Alongside Lotilla’s confirmation, the CA also approved the ad interim appointments of three officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA):
- Christian I. De Jesus, Chief of Mission, Class II
- Anthony Achilles I. Mandap, Chief of Mission, Class II
- Judy Barbara G. Robianes, Career Minister
The confirmations strengthen the DFA’s diplomatic corps as the Philippines advances its foreign policy engagements across regions and multilateral institutions.