President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Vince Dizon as the next head of the Department of Transportation, effective February 21, 2025.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said outgoing Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista resigned “due to health reasons.”
“He (Dizon) is already authorized by the Office of the President to start the transition at the DOTr in coordination with the team of Secretary Jaime Bautista,” Bersamin said.
In a statement, the DOTr said Bautista was stepping down from his position “with utmost integrity” after more than two years of service.
“Secretary Bautista thanked the President for the opportunity to work in government, which Bautista considered his most challenging stint. He also called his first government post most enriching.”
“Secretary Bautista looks forward to a smooth transition, after which a much-needed vacation to recuperate from two and a half years of intense public service,” the DOTr added.
During his tenure, Bautista ensured the continued implementation of major infrastructure projects such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway.
He also presided over the landmark privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Dizon, for his part, previously served as president and chief executive officer of BCDA during the administration of then President Rodrigo Duterte.
He also held the positions of presidential adviser for flagship programs and projects and was the deputy chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.
Dizon also received one of the highest civilian honors – the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani – for his key contributions to the Build Build Build program and the country’s response to the Covid 19 pandemic.
The appointment of Dizon, currently the chief regulatory officer of Prime Infrastructure, was welcomed by several lawmakers and transport leaders.
“We want to congratulate Secretary Vince Dizon on his appointment and thank him for taking on such an enormous task at this critical time,” said Senator Grace Poe, who heads the Senate public services committee.
“We are confident that with his skills and experience, he could fast track the urgently needed reforms and projects under the department. The new DOTR chief can count on our support in bringing relief to our commuting public and lasting solutions to our transportation sector,” she added.
“When you need a job done, you hire Vince and the job gets done. I am sure he will bury himself in the work of the DOTr immediately. I am also certain of quick confirmation by the Commission on Appointments,” Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said.
Deputy Majority Leader Franz Pumaren noted Dizon’s “proven track record in infrastructure development and the expertise to ensure the completion of the administration’s ambitious transport projects.”
“We need a DoTr chief who can get things done, and Secretary Dizon is exactly that. His leadership and experience in handling large-scale infrastructure projects will help ensure that long-delayed transport initiatives are finally completed,” he said.
Senator Joel Villanueva added: “We look forward to working with the agency under Secretary Dizon’s leadership, particularly in tackling the country’s traffic challenges, ensuring safe and efficient transport, and advancing transportation infrastructure which are vital in driving the country’s economic progress.”
Pasang Masda national president Obet Martin welcomed Dizon’s appointment as he urged the incoming Transportation chief to continue existing agency programs, especially the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program and the government’s fuel subsidy program for jeepney drivers.