MANILA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III named Tuesday a lawmaker to be the incoming secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Samar Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento will replace DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II, who earlier tendered his resignation after he was officially chosen as the standard bearer of the Liberal Party for the May 2016 presidential elections.

Aquino said a transition process is ongoing at the DILG.

Sarmiento is the secretary general of the Liberal Party and has been a house member since the 15th Congress representing the 1st District of Samar.