Dizon gets CA nod, vows to fast-track commuter projects

MANILA – The Commission on Appointments’ (CA) Committee on Transportation on Tuesday approved the ad interim appointment of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, who vowed to expedite key infrastructure projects aimed at easing commuters’ daily struggles.

Dizon, appearing before the panel, reaffirmed his commitment to fulfill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s marching orders — to make commuting safer and more comfortable, and to accelerate the implementation of public transport initiatives.

“In the past three months, we have tried our best to slowly address even the most basic and smallest issues faced by our commuters. That is what we are trying to do in line with the President’s instructions, and we will continue doing so,” he said during the confirmation hearing.

The DOTr chief also addressed the suspension of the EDSA rehabilitation project, emphasizing that it was not canceled but paused upon the President’s directive to find a faster and more commuter-friendly approach.

“Ang sabi lang po ng Pangulo, lalong lalo na sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) na siyang lead agency sa pagpapatupad ng EDSA rebuild, let us find a better way (The President simply told us, especially the DPWH which is the lead agency for the EDSA rebuild, to find a better way),” he said.

“Imbes na dalawang taon, ang gusto po niya ay anim na buwan lang… he said ‘balikan niyo ako ulit with a better way’ (Instead of two years, he wants it completed in just six months… he told us to come back to him with a better plan).”

Dizon said DPWH initially projected the rehabilitation cost until the end of the year to be around PHP8.7 billion, with potential total expenses reaching PHP15 billion if work stretches to 2027.

Calling his interim appointment “humbling,” Dizon said he looks forward to continuing his work “for as long as the President would have us.”

He also confirmed to the panel that his courtesy resignation was rejected by Marcos.

Meanwhile, the scheduled deliberation of the ad interim appointments of Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Roel Aguda and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz were deferred “due to lack of material time.” (PNA)