The newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Vince Dizon, has laid out his priorities and immediate actions following his appointment. During his press briefing last February 25, 2025, Sec. Dizon discussed several pressing issues in the country’s transport sector and the measures his administration intends to take.
Improving Commuter Accessibility
During a site visit to the Ortigas MRT station, Sec. Dizon observed the congestion caused by the shared passageways for MRT and bus passengers. To address this, his office is eyeing to construct dedicated concourses or bridgeways, similar to those found in SM North EDSA and Megamall. This initiative, which aims to improve passenger flow and safety, will be replicated in 21 other stations. A budget has already been allocated, and the bidding process is set to commence, with contracts expected to be awarded by June or July of this year. Future maintenance of these structures will be handled via public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements.
Stricter Enforcement on Bus Stops
Another concern raised by Sec. Dizon is the lack of compliance among bus drivers in adhering to the designated stopping time at bus stations. To curb delays and improve efficiency, the DOTr plans to deploy timers that will sound an alarm after 45 seconds, ensuring that buses leave promptly after unloading passengers. Additionally, enforcers will be deployed to monitor compliance and prevent unnecessary congestion at bus stops.
Leadership and Structural Changes
As part of the standard transition process in government agencies, Sec. Dizon has submitted a memo requiring all Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Directors in the DOTr central office to tender their courtesy resignations. He clarified that attached agencies, such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), are not included in this directive. Regarding the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program, Sec. Dizon stated that he is still waiting for a full briefing from the LTFRB but affirms his support for reforms aimed at improving transportation services.
Stance on Cashless Toll Collection
Sec. Dizon expressed reservations about the current implementation of cashless toll payments, stating that it remains an inconvenience for many drivers. He emphasized that unless a system is put in place that does not compromise motorists, he is not in favor of mandatory cashless transactions. His stance indicates a need for a more inclusive approach to electronic toll collection that considers the concerns of all road users.
Addressing the 9-million License Plate Backlog
In an effort to resolve the longstanding backlog in vehicle license plates, Sec. Dizon challenged Assistant Secretary Mendoza to ensure that the release of future plates would only take 72 hours or three days. This directive aims to cut bureaucratic inefficiencies and expedite services for motorists.
Fast-Tracking PPPs for Regional Airports
Sec. Dizon also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in improving regional airports. He acknowledged that multiple airport infrastructure projects in the past have deteriorated due to poor maintenance and operational issues. To prevent this from happening again, he plans to fast-track PPP agreements for key regional airports, particularly in major gateways such as Davao and Iloilo, as well as airports serving top tourist destinations. In the coming days, he will be engaging with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Financial Operation to explore the best approaches to implementing these PPPs.
Passenger Experience and Extended Train Hours
To gain firsthand insight into commuter experiences, Sec. Dizon announced that he will personally conduct a passenger experience ride in the MRT next week. This initiative will help him better understand the everyday struggles of train commuters. Additionally, he commended the recent extension of train operating hours in both MRT and LRT systems, recognizing it as a positive step toward improving public transport services.
A Willing Acceptance of the Role
Sec. Dizon revealed that he was personally contacted by the President to take on the role of DOTr Secretary, a position he willingly accepted. He stated that he is willing to be judged based on the results of his leadership once his tenure ends.
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Source: DOTr Official Facebook Page
Watch the full press briefing here: DOTr Press Briefing – February 25, 2025
