Babauta, a staunch supporter of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, retired from local politics last year due to family matters.
He is currently serving in an acting capacity pending his confirmation by the Senate.
He succeeds John Del Rosario Jr. who will reportedly be named to another position.
Babauta was asked to submit copies of his résumé, financial statement, police clearance and drug-test receipt and results prior to his confirmation hearing which is yet be scheduled.
A newly created position, special assistant for political affairs, was given to Dolores Aldan, the acting Department of Corrections commissioner who acknowledged being responsible for taking out a federal detainee from the local jail during the early hours of January 8, 2010 so she could massage the governor at his residence.
The detainee, Qingmei Cheng, is the governor’s masseuse.
