FORMER METRO Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman and senatorial also-ran Francis N. Tolentino has been appointed as President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s adviser on political affairs.

Mr. Tolentino’s reappointment was made public by Malacañang on Tuesday, July 11. His appointment letter was dated June 27.

Mr. Tolentino served as head of the MMDA during the Aquino administration. An early contender in the 2016 senatorial lineup of the then ruling Liberal Party, Mr. Tolentino was obliged to withdraw his senatorial bid under the LP following a controversy, but reemerged as an independent senatorial candidate that year. But he lost in the elections.

Meanwhile, Jose Manuel D.G. Romualdez has been reappointed special envoy to the United States. Mr. Romualdez was previously designated ambassador to Washington last December, but declined the post early January, citing health reasons. His appointment was dated July 5.

Messrs. Tolentino and Romualdez lead the list of new presidential appointees made available yesterday. — Kristine Joy V. Patag

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