Daily TribuneDuring the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dizon also took on the crucial role of Presidential Adviser and Deputy Chief Implementer for the national health response, for which he earned the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani, one of the Philippines’ highest civilian honors.
Incoming Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon could usher the pivotal moment for reforms to elevate the quality of service for Filipino commuters. He steps into his new role on 21 February, taking over from Jaime Bautista, who resigned for health reasons.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PRIME INFRA
When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Vince Dizon as the new Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DoTr), it wasn’t just a leadership shake-up — it signaled a fresh start for the country’s transportation sector.
Dizon’s appointment has already generated anticipation across both the government and private sectors, earning widespread approval from lawmakers and business leaders alike.
Could this be the pivotal moment for reforms to finally happen to elevate the quality of service for Filipino commuters?
Dizon will officially step into his new role on 21 February, taking over from Jaime Bautista, who stepped down for health reasons.
He now faces the Herculean task of tackling the country’s deep-rooted transportation woes — from the perennial traffic congestion to the urgent need for safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades.
With Dizon’s wealth of experience, there’s hope that the DoTr will soon be steering in a much more efficient, forward-thinking direction.
A seasoned public servant with 26 years of experience, Dizon served as Chief of Staff to the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara and played a key part in the Duterte administration’s flagship initiatives.
As Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects, and later as president and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Dizon took on a pivotal role in the “Build, Build, Build” program of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dizon also took on the crucial role of Presidential Adviser and Deputy Chief Implementer for the national health response, for which he earned the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani, one of the Philippines' highest civilian honors.
But what do lawmakers think of this new chapter for Dizon? The support has been overwhelming.
Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate Public Services Committee, called his appointment “timely,” with a strong emphasis on the critical need for reform in the transportation sector.
“We’re confident that with his skills and experience, he can fast-track the urgent reforms and projects under the department,” Poe said. “Secretary Dizon has our full legislative backing as he takes on the nation’s transportation challenges.”
Economist Rep. Joey Salceda, a long-time ally of Dizon, couldn’t contain his excitement either. “Vince is a long-time friend,” Salceda said, recalling their collaboration during the pandemic. “When you need a job done, you hire Vince, and the job gets done. I’m sure he’ll dive right into the work at DoTr.”
Senator Joel Villanueva was equally enthusiastic, praising Dizon’s impressive track record in government and public health.
“His leadership will be key in advancing critical infrastructure projects like the Metro Manila Subway, the North-South Commuter Railway, and the LRT Line 2 East Extension. These projects are vital to reducing congestion and providing Filipinos with safer, more efficient travel options.”
Rep. Johnny Pimentel also threw his full support behind Dizon’s appointment. “I know him personally, and he’s more than qualified to lead one of the biggest government agencies. He’s diligent, hands-on, and dedicated to getting the job done,” Pimentel said.
“We’re backing him all the way,” he added, stressing the importance of the transport sector in driving economic growth and improving the daily lives of Filipinos.
It takes leadership, vision, and the political will to challenge decades of mismanagement.
Right now, Metro Manila’s transport system doesn’t just fail commuters — it actively works against them.
Armed with political savvy, hands-on experience and a results-driven mindset, Dizon is stepping into a high-stakes role at a critical juncture for the nation’s transportation system.
The question is: will he be the one to finally turn the wheel in the right direction? If his track record is any indication, all eyes will be on him as he drives forward the change that Filipinos have been waiting for.
With him now at the helm of the DoTr, the question arises: will this be the administration that accelerates the long-overdue modernization of the country’s transport systems? Will Dizon lead the charge in resolving the persistent right-of-way challenges that have stalled vital projects like the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, and the Cavite extension of the Light Rail Transit?
And perhaps, most crucially, will this administration be the one to finally end the decades-long deliberation on the viability of motorcycle taxis as an official mode of transport?
Dizon may be the man for the job — able to provide the answers that could reshape the future of Philippine mobility.
