Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a bold move aimed at restructuring the Department of Transportation (DOTr), newly appointed Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon has issued a memorandum ordering all Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Directors of the department, along with its attached agencies, to submit their unqualified courtesy resignations no later than February 26, 2025.
Dizon, who took his oath as DOTr Secretary on February 21, 2025, issued the directive just days after his appointment, following the unexpected resignation of Jaime Bautista due to health concerns. The official memorandum, dated February 24, 2025, states:
"In the exigency of service, and in order to give the undersigned a free hand to perform the mandate given to him by the President, ALL incumbent Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Directors of this Department are hereby directed to tender their UNQUALIFIED COURTESY RESIGNATIONS, not later than 26 February 2025, subject to pertinent civil service laws, rules, and regulations."
Dizon emphasized that until further notice, all affected officials should continue fulfilling their usual duties and responsibilities, subject to any modifications he may implement.
This directive is seen as part of Dizon’s sweeping reform agenda, particularly amid persistent corruption allegations and inefficiencies within DOTr’s attached agencies, including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Both agencies have long been plagued by controversies, including issues surrounding the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program, severe shortages of vehicle license plates, and allegations of LTO plates being found on smuggled vehicles—problems that have drawn frustration from motorists and commuters alike.
Anti-Corruption and Public Service Overhaul
According to sources within the DOTr, Secretary Dizon’s directive stems from mounting concerns over widespread corruption in various agencies under the department. The move is widely interpreted as a "housecleaning" measure to replace underperforming and questionable officials with individuals who align with the government’s transparency and accountability initiatives.
Dizon, who previously served as President and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and as a Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Action Plan Against COVID-19, is known for his hands-on leadership style and efficiency in government projects. His appointment signals a strong push for modernization and reform within the country’s transportation sector.
Immediate Policy Changes Under Dizon
On his first day in office, Dizon wasted no time in making critical policy decisions. One of his first actions was the suspension of the full cashless payment system for tollways, a move that he deemed "anti-poor." This decision highlights his commitment to ensuring that transportation policies remain inclusive and beneficial to the broader public.
Meanwhile, Dizon is also expected to address lingering issues in railway projects, particularly right-of-way problems that have hindered the progress of major infrastructure developments. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that public transportation modernization projects move forward efficiently and with minimal disruption.
What’s Next for the DOTr?
With the deadline for courtesy resignations fast approaching, industry observers anticipate a major reshuffling within the department in the coming weeks. While some officials may be reinstated, others are expected to be replaced with new appointees aligned with Dizon’s vision of a corruption-free, efficient, and commuter-friendly transport system.
As the DOTr undergoes one of its biggest leadership overhauls in recent years, the public remains hopeful that these reforms will bring genuine improvements to the country’s transportation system, ensuring safer, more efficient, and more accountable governance in the sector.
For Immediate Compliance
The memorandum concludes with a strict order for compliance, as indicated by Dizon’s official signature and authentication seal. A copy was also furnished to the Office of the Executive Secretary in Malacañang, underscoring the high-level support for this drastic but necessary action.
With Dizon now at the helm of DOTr, will this bold reform be enough to fix the long-standing issues plaguing the country’s transportation system?
Stay tuned for further updates.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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