Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Vince Dizon discussed a number of pressing issues within the department, including the resignation of engineers, salary delays and concerns over the agency’s transition under the current administration.

In a radio interview on Wednesday, Dizon confirmed reports that approximately 400 engineers had resigned from the DoTr over the past six to eight months. He explained that the resignations were largely due to administrative issues, with delays in salary payments being a significant factor.

According to Dizon, the engineering profession is in high demand, with private sector companies offering better salaries, which has led many DoTr engineers to leave in search of more lucrative opportunities.

“It’s unfortunate. Engineers are highly coveted, and their skills are in demand. Of course, the private sector offers better pay, and sometimes they can’t take the delays anymore. It’s really unfortunate for them,” Dizon said.

Despite this, Dizon assured that the department is working to resolve these issues, including encouraging remaining staff to stay and helping to expedite salary disbursement. He emphasized that the department needs a strong, reliable team to carry out its projects.

“I’m encouraging their friends who are still with the DoTr to think of the country. We assure them that there won’t be any more issues like salary delays,” he stated.

In response to questions about the status of contractual employees at the DoTr, Dizon acknowledged that some 500 contractual workers had not been paid for two months.

While he didn’t have an exact number, he confirmed that the issue was being addressed, with the new team set to prioritize quick resolution of salary matters.

“That’s why our new team needs to come in to speed up the process of salary disbursement. For me, that’s the most important thing. We really need to take care of our people because I can’t run these projects by myself,” Dizon said.

The interview also touched on concerns about the transition of leadership within the DoTr. Dizon noted that he was currently the only one in charge at the department and was waiting for the confirmation of appointees recommended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He highlighted the need for a fully-formed team to ensure smooth operations moving forward.

“I’m the only one here at the DoTr. We’re just waiting for the appointees to be confirmed so we can move forward,” he explained.

Addressing rumors of potential “midnight transactions” within the department, Dizon did not confirm the claims but stressed the importance of a smooth transition. He assured the public that proper procedures were being followed and that the transition would be completed in a timely manner.

“The most important thing is to bring in a team that will really help us,” Dizon concluded, expressing hope that the process would proceed quickly.

Mass transit a priority

Dizon outlined his priorities for the country’s transport system, focusing on improving mass transit

Dizon, surprised by his appointment, acknowledged the urgent need to address commuter struggles, citing a conversation with the President about the daily burdens faced by millions of Filipinos.

“We need to improve our mass transport system, but this will take years,” Dizon said, recognizing the long-term effort needed.

However, he also emphasized immediate steps, such as creating separate pathways on the EDSA busway to ease congestion.

Dizon affirmed the importance of the EDSA busway, highlighting its effectiveness and the need for continued improvements. While privatization is a future possibility, he stressed government funding for short-term enhancements and stricter enforcement against unauthorized vehicles using the bus lane.

Addressing infrastructure challenges, Dizon identified right-of-way issues as a key obstacle and signed a department order to establish a project management office to oversee major transport projects like the Manila to Clark Railway and the Metro Manila Subway.