MANILA, Philppines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has appointed Alberto Agra as Solicitor General, replacing Secretary Agnes Devanadera who is now with the justice department.

Agra is the head of the Office of Government Corporate Counsel and was a former election lawyer of Mrs. Arroyo.

According to Agra, his appointment was announced by Devanadera Thursday morning, but he has yet to receive his formal appointment papers. -- report from ANC