Mar is new DOTC chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III announced today the appointment of former senator Mar Roxas as secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

"Isa si Mar sa dahilan para mapigil ang maanomalyang NBN-ZTE contract... Kailagan ko ng isang kaibigang reresponde na mabilis sa ating mga pangangailangan sa DOTC,” President Aquino announced in a briefing in Malacañang before 3 p.m. today.

The President said that while he preferred Roxas his chief-of-staff, he said he personally asked the former senator to head the agency to implement much needed reforms.

Malacañang had announced that Roxas has been chosen to sit as presidential chief-of-staff and that his position's responsibilities are just being finalized to make sure that it will not overlap with the functions of the Office of the Executive Secretary.

President Aquino said that he has asked Roxas to review the DOTC's current situation. He added that he is giving the former senator a free hand in choosing his own people.

"Binigyan ko rin siya ng kalayaang mamili ng magiging mga kasamahan niya sa DOTC upang magkaroon ng reporma," he said.

Meanwhile, Aquino clarified that Roxas will continue to act as his trouble-shooter.

In a brief statement, Roxas expressed gratitude to President Aquino for giving him a chance to serve again in the government.

"Nagpapaslaamat po ako kay Pangulong Noynoy sa tiwala na ipinakita niya sa pagtalaga po sa atin sa DOTC, na bigyan ako ng pagkakataon na magbalik serbisyo," he said. "Maasahan po na gagawin ko ang lahat na hindi bibiguin ang tiwala na pinagkaloob sa akin ni Pangulong Noynoy at ng tao."

Roxas said that he took President Aquino's offer during a one-on-one meeting on Monday.

Roxas will replace DOTC Secretary Jose "Ping" de Jesus, whose resignation will take effect on June 30.

Ealier reports said that Energy Secretary Jose Almendras was also considered to take the place of De Jesus, but he reportedly declined.

Roxas was the running-mate of President Aquino during May 10, 2010 polls. He lost the vice presidential race to former Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.