According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Malacañang confirmed that Dizon, the former head of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) under the Duterte administration, will assume office on Feb. 21, 2025.
Dizon previously served as presidential adviser under Duterte, playing a major role in the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program.
After Duterte’s term, Dizon became chief regulatory officer at tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.’s Prime Infrastructure Holdings.
In the PNA report, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Dizon has been authorized to start the transition, working closely with Bautista’s team.
He also said Bautista, a respected corporate professional and former longtime president of Philippine Airlines, resigned due to health reasons.
Bautista had faced criticism in the past, given the highly politicized nature of the DOTr job as he tackled long-standing challenges, including modernizing the country’s aging transport infrastructure.
During one instance in 2023, powerful business groups, including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, rallied behind Bautista and condemned what they called a “demolition" job against him as he implemented reforms.
