Calls are growing louder for Dizon to reevaluate the country’s transport infrastructure, particularly the railway sector, to enhance public safety and efficiency.
To do that, the DOTr chief must first scrutinize his own ranks. His recent directive for all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and directors to tender their courtesy resignations was a golden opportunity to purge ineffective or problematic officials. This was his chance to build a team that can truly fulfill the DOTr’s mandate of providing safe, efficient, and reliable transportation across the country.
But some of the latest appointees had previously served during the Duterte administration—the very period when many of the unresolved transport issues took root.
Observers understand the need to have old hands at the helm of the department but, instead of carrying over these bureaucratic relics, perhaps Dizon should have weighed things more carefully before making any reappointments. Core competence, track records, and past controversies should have been the key determining factors.
Meanwhile, one particularly concerning figure remains entrenched in the DOTr, despite being linked to multiple… uhmm… “issues”.
Allegations against this long-time official include favoring specific bidders in major projects, questionable contractor selections, and significant delays in crucial private-sector transportation initiatives. Many of these issues date back to the Duterte era, yet no meaningful progress has been made.
If DOTr is to fulfill its promises under President Marcos, Dizon must resist the temptation to rely on officials with checkered histories. The agency needs fresh leadership—not remnants of past troubles.
Senior Reporter
