Bautista tells DOTr colleagues: Extend the same commitment to new chief

CEBU, Philippines — Outgoing Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista urged his fellow officers at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the same commitment or even more to his replacement, Vicencio “Vince” Dizon, to be able to continue what he started.

Bautista has announced his decision to step down as DOTr secretary due to health reasons.

Bautista will formally end his term on Feb. 21, 2025 - after fulfilling prior official commitments as relayed to The Freeman by the former’s Executive Assistant Jonathan Gesmundo.

Pres. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has accepted his resignation and appointed Dizon to fill-in the vacant post.

Dizon is an economist, consultant, and political aide who also served as former president Rodrigo Duterte’s adviser on flagship programs and had become a deputy chief implementer of the National Action Plan Against COVID-19 and president and chief executive officer of the Bases Convention and Development Authority back then.

Bautista thanked the President for the opportunity to work in government, which he considered his most challenging stint.

Bautista also called his first government post most enriching, having served with utmost integrity.

“Sec. 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,” a part of his statement read.

Yesterday, Bautista convened the agency and its attached agencies’ executives to extend their support to incoming Dizon.

“With your suggestions, recommendations, he [Sec. Dizon] will be able to continue the mission and vision we have started,” Bautista said.

“Paki-usap ko lang, extend the same commitment or even more commitment to Secretary Dizon,” said Bautista. "All these, hindi lang para sa atin kundi para sa mga kababayan natin for us to be able to serve our passengers."

 Senior officials expressed their gratitude to Bautista for his dedication and commitment as agency top honcho, while initiating sweeping reforms and continuing big-ticket projects, hoping to provide comfortable, accessible, safe, secure and affordable commuting experience to Filipinos.

 "I served eight secretaries of transportation and it’s not that you have resigned now that I am saying it you are indeed the best that I have served. In terms of leadership, that leadership is not through shock and awe. It's the kindness of your heart that touches other hearts. Thank you for the confidence and trust you've given us. We wish you all the best in your other endeavors,” said Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Exec. Director Carmelo Arcilla on Bautista.