MANILA - Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) executive director Roberto Cabrera will join the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as its new chief, Secretary Sonny Coloma confirmed, citing a statement from Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya.

Cabrera will replace Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan Jr., who voluntarily resigned in November 2015 due to family reasons.

Abaya said he requested Tan to remain in office until a replacement is named.

"I requested him to hold on until a new appointment is made by the President," Abaya said in a statement.

Cabrera, a lawyer, graduated from the Ateneo Law School. He was appointed LTFRB executive director in 2013.

He earned a master's degree in law from Boston University, where he concentrated on international banking and financial law.

Abaya said that his office has yet to receive a copy of Cabrera's appointment, which is expected to be released on Monday.