Malacañang has confirmed the appointment of former Palawan 1st District Representative Franz Alvarez as the acting president and chief executive officer of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).
The appointment places a veteran lawmaker from one of the country’s primary energy-producing provinces at the helm of the state-run energy firm. Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro officially confirmed Alvarez’s new role during a media briefing on Wednesday.
Alvarez takes over the position previously held by former PNOC chief Joel Caminade.
Before his appointment to the state energy corporation, Alvarez served three consecutive terms as the representative of Palawan’s first district from 2013 to 2022. His home province is a critical hub for the country’s power sector, hosting major energy assets such as the Malampaya gas field—a vital source of indigenous natural gas for the Philippines.
During his tenure in Congress, Alvarez also chaired the influential House Committee on Legislative Franchises. Notably, he led the 2020 deliberations that culminated in the denial of ABS-CBN Corporation’s broadcast franchise renewal. As committee chairperson, Alvarez did not cast a vote during the historic proceedings, in accordance with parliamentary rules dictating that the presiding chair may only vote to break a tie.
His transition to the state-run firm comes at a critical juncture, as the government accelerates initiatives to fortify national energy security against volatile global fuel prices, surging domestic electricity demands, and a shifting landscape toward renewable and alternative energy sources.
As the government’s primary energy arm, the PNOC is mandated to spearhead petroleum exploration, energy resource development, and strategic investments.
Under Alvarez’s leadership, the state firm is expected to heavily drive the administration’s energy agenda, focusing on diversifying fuel sources and curbing the nation’s reliance on imported energy.