Dizon backs privatization of key transport infrastructure

Newly appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon expressed strong backing for the privatization of critical transport infrastructure, calling it essential for improving the country’s transportation efficiency.

“This is critical because I think that is the way to go,” Dizon said Monday during the Department of Transportation (DOTr) leadership turnover. “Secretary [Jaime] Bautista can be assured that we will really push that forward because that’s really… to my mind and especially to the mind of our President, the way to go to make transport services more efficient.”

Dizon praised his predecessor, outgoing Secretary Bautista, for initiating a broad privatization program, which includes the modernization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the privatization of Laguindingan and Bohol-Panglao international airports.

“The biggest contribution of Secretary Jimmy in such a short span of time is really the massive privatization effort, beginning obviously with the NAIA privatization,” he added.

Beyond airports, Dizon stated that privatization in road transport and railway infrastructure would also be prioritized to improve service efficiency. The government is currently working on the privatization of the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the EDSA Busway and the MRT-3 rail system.

According to Dizon, the feasibility study for the EDSA Busway privatization is expected to be completed in the coming months, with a target awarding date set for the end of 2026. Meanwhile, the terms of reference (TOR) for MRT-3’s privatization are being finalized in coordination with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, the Asian Development Bank, and the DOTr.

Dizon’s appointment comes as the administration pushes for increased private sector participation in public infrastructure, particularly in transportation, to enhance service quality and reduce inefficiencies in government-managed projects.