Shipowners denounce allegation vs DOTr chief

CEBU, Philippines — Members of the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association, Inc. (PCSA) have expressed support for Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista.

A letter signed by Lucio Roger Lim, Jr. and Paul Rodriguez, chairman and president of PCSA, respectively, said that the corruption charges against Bautista in connection with the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are unfounded.

“It is evident that the intentions behind these allegations are malicious, especially considering that the accuser recanted his statements. Yet, the lasting smear on Secretary Bautista's impeccable reputation, exacerbated by traditional and social media, remains a concern for us,” part of the letter reads.

The group said Bautista’s appointment on June 30, 2022, by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to the pivotal position of DOTr Secretary was greeted with genuine optimism and confidence by their community.

Bautista, they said, in a brief span of 15 months, has remarkably demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and a profound commitment to addressing both the unique local and overarching global challenges faced by our maritime sector.

The group said that Bautista’s foresight has always prioritized the pillars of national security, robust economic growth, and the creation of a holistic and sustainable transportation ecosystem.

“His management style is emblematic of his core values: vision, courage, prudence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the public good,” the group said.

Bautista's transparent, ethical, and professional management of the DOT is something we have personally witnessed and deeply respect. His unparalleled expertise has been palpable to all industry insiders.

They said that Bautista makes significant personal sacrifices, and yet, he embraced this responsibility with grace and dedication.

The group said that Bautista’s entire career trajectory, spanning numerous years, stands untarnished, bearing no mark of any corrupt undertakings. — (FREEMAN)