The Department of Transportation (DoTr), now headed by a new chief, defended its move to request courtesy resignations from top officials, calling it a routine measure that gives new leadership the flexibility to build the best possible team.

Nothing unusual

Newly appointed DoTr Secretary Vivencio Dizon confirmed with reporters his issuance of a memorandum directing assistant secretaries, undersecretaries and directors to submit their resignations — but insisted there was nothing unusual about it.

“It is a standard memo when there is a change in leadership in government where we ask for courtesy resignations,” Dizon said.

“Courtesy resignation is just a simple gesture of goodwill and good faith to the newly appointed leadership, which will allow the newly appointed leadership to find the best personnel to do the jobs that need to be done.”

He was quick to clarify that the directive applies only to the DoTr’s central office and does not extend to its attached agencies or government-owned and controlled corporations.

Mass exodus

Dizon also dismissed concerns that the resignations would lead to a mass exodus of officials, saying they were not automatically accepted.

“It does not mean that I will accept those courtesy resignations in total. It just means that we are now given the free hand to maybe move people around if possible, look at the talents that we have already in DoTr, and also look at outside talents that may be able to help us,” he explained.

It is a standard memo when there is a change in leadership in government where we ask for courtesy resignations.

On key appointments, Dizon confirmed that names have already been submitted to the Office of the President but declined to disclose details.

“The process is ongoing. There was mention of about eight names already. However, I cannot get ahead of the appointing authority because they will make the final decision. We are merely making recommendations,” he said.

"As you know, the work at the DoTr is heavy,” he added.