MANILA, Philippines - Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc has been named new chief of the agency.

Lontoc replaces DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza, who is now President Arroyo's executive secretary.

The President has also appointed former Cebu Ports Authority general manager Angelo Verdan as the new Maritime Industry Authority administrator, replacing Elena Bautista who moved over to the Presidential Management Staff.

These are the latest appointments in a Cabinet revamp prompted by a Supreme Court ruling that appointive officials running for election were deemed resigned.

Press Secretary Cris Icban Jr. on Tuesday assured that government operations remain on track, with the fresh appointees to the Cabinet providing continuity of services.

"We have good reason to be confident that continuity of government operations and services to the people is sustained, if not enhanced, since all the new appointees are career officials with impeccable track records as public servants," Icban told Malacañang reporters.

"We are also highly confident that implementation of government projects, notably those enunciated by the President in her State of the Nation addresses, would push through without unnecessary delays despite changes in the Cabinet," he added.