Duterte names new PDEA chief; Aaron Aquino moves to CIAC

May 27, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Wilkins  Villanueva as the new chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Villanueva, who was the PDEA chief in Northern Mindanao, replaced Aaron Aquino, who has been appointed as member of the Board of Directors of the Clark International Airport Corporation, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, in a text message to reporters, said that Aquino's appointment at CIAC carries with it the "nomination as President and CEO" of the state-run agency.

"Mr. Aquino's nomination as the President/CEO of Clark International Airport Corporation has been approved by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and is now forwarded to the aforesaid corporation's Board of Directors," the Office of the Executive Secretary later said.

Both Villanueva and Aquino's appointment papers were dated May 22.

It was Villanueva who first announced his designation as new PDEA director general by posting on his Facebook page his appointment paper on Tuesday.

"DG Villanueva is no stranger to drug law enforcement. He has been working with PDEA for many years before reaching the Agency's top position," Roque said.

"We, therefore, believe DG VIllanueva will lead PDEA and the fight against illegal drugs to greater heights with professionalism, passion and integrity," he added. Celerina Monte/DMS