By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
As the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undergo significant institutional reforms, the heads of both agencies have traded positions under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In a briefing early Monday, PCO Acting Secretary Lino Cayetano announced the minor reshuffle, which saw Vince Dizon reappointed as the DOTr Secretary while Atty. Giovanni Lopez was reassigned to become the new DPWH Secretary.
Sec. Cayetano echoed the President’s marching orders, “We are shifting gears to accelerate reform. Secretary Dizon goes to DOTr to fix the daily commute. Secretary Lopez goes to DPWH to make sure the reforms there last. Lahat ng ito, para lalong bumilis at gumaan ang serbisyo ng gobyerno para sa ating mga kababayan.”
The PCO Chief, moreover, explained that this move was meant to put the right people at the right place and time, citing Sec. Lopez’s background as a lawyer and certified public accountant was crucial in institutionalizing reforms at DPWH and translating these into rules, processes, and systems that will keep the agency running for decades to come.
As for Sec. Dizon’s return to leading DOTr once again, Sec. Cayetano cited his ability to expedite the completion of critical mass transportation projects and making meaningful contributions that bring about change which resonates with commuters.
In his second tenure as the Transportation chief, Sec. Dizon is tasked with shortening queues at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), as well as getting rid of fixers.
When asked about the factors considered by the President in the position swap of both agency heads, Sec. Cayetano cited President Marcos Jr.’s desire to accelerate reforms and changes that resonate with Filipinos.
He likewise defended the reshuffle by noting that no politicking was involved in the process, and that fluctuations in trust ratings did not play any influential role in the Chief Executive’s prerogative.
av
