Batuhan to get another DOTC post

CEBU, Philippines - Effective October 15, Undersecretary Aristotle “Totol” Batuhan will relinquish his post as undersecretary for legal and administration of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and sectoral undersecretary for road and maritime transport.

“I have accepted a crucial responsibility within the DOTC family but this time, the work will be more specific and focused. I will be moving to oversee an agency within DOTC,” Batuhan said in his press release sent to The Freeman.

Batuhan, however, cannot divulge his new assignment until the appointment process will be complete.

“This is a challenge which I have discussed and agreed with Secretary Mar Roxas when he assumed office on July 4,” Batuhan said.

Batuhan added that during his 16 months as undersecretary for legal and administration of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and sectoral undersecretary for road and maritime transport, he has accomplished a lot of things.

This includes, he said, the review of important contracts entered into during the previous administration like the north rail contract, the GMA modular roro ports, the NAIA 3 contracts and the MRT review and among others.

As alternate chairman for the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority and Cebu Ports Authority, Batuhan said the master plan and feasibility studies for the modernization of the airport and port were commenced and about to be completed.

“Hopefully, the next steps will be taken by these agencies to implement such modernization plans. I am confident that with the appointment of competent individuals to head the MCIAA and CPA, including their respective board, Cebu will soon have the facilities necessary to meet increasing passenger traffic and transport of goods,” Batuhan said. – (FREEMAN)