Oban appointed DOTC undersecretary

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino appointed former Armed Forces chief Eduardo Oban Jr. as undersecretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) vice Rafael Santos, Malacañang announced yesterday.

Oban was chairman of Clark Development Corp. but presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya would like the former AFP chief to work with him as undersecretary for operations.

Meanwhile, former national treasurer Roberto Tan had been appointed finance undersecretary to replace Rosalia de Leon, Lacierda said over radio dzRB.

Oban was named AFP chief in March of 2011 and was given the CDC position after he retired.

Oban was the third AFP chief of staff to come from the Air Force since 1996 and was known to have played a major role in the negotiation with Magdalo rebel soldiers who staged the infamous Oakwood mutiny in 2003.

A graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matapat” Class of 1979, Oban held various positions in AFP and even served as its public information officer. He also received several awards while in service.