 The ruling came after the poll body invalidated the so-called "rump elections" of LP leaders in March 2006.Atienza, a staunch supporter of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was named Environment Secretary on July 18, 2007, replacing Angelo Reyes, who was moved to the Department of Energy, after incumbent Raphael Lotilla resigned.Atienza's appointment came as a shock to environmental groups, who had dubbed him as the "butcher of Arroceros."