The Commission on Appointments (CA) has confirmed the appointment of Vince Dizon as secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“We have unanimously recommended Secretary Vince Dizon for confirmation because we believe that he is the right person to head one of the most important government agencies,” said CA Assistant Minority Leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel.
“I know him personally for many years now and find a dedicated public servant and very hard working. I am very sure that DOTr will be in good hands under the leadership of Sec. Vince Dizon,” Pimentel told the Manila Standard.
Dizon assumed office at DoTR last February following the resignation of Jaime Bautista due to health issues.
During the CA confirmation meeting, Dizon confirmed that the President did not accept his resignation.
“I did get a call from the Executive Secretary, that the President did not accept my courtesy resignation,” Dizon told the panel.
Last month, Dizon submitted his courtesy resignation after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. carried a Cabinet revamp post-midterm elections.
Dizon said his marching orders from the President were to improve public transport conditions for commuters and to expedite railway projects.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, speaking during the committee hearing, urged Dizon to advance the shared goal of decentralizing development beyond Metro Manila.
He praised Dizon’s decision to move DOTr operations to Clark, Pampanga, as a concrete step toward shifting growth away from the capital.
Cayetano emphasized the need to pursue balanced national development by investing in infrastructure and transportation systems across the country.
He said decentralization is key to inclusive growth and alleviating congestion in Metro Manila.
Senator Cristopher Lawrence Go also expressed support for Dizon’s appointment, citing his service as Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
He credited Dizon with overseeing the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure initiative and managing its large-scale implementation.
Go also highlighted Dizon’s performance as the COVID-19 testing czar and deputy chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.
He said these roles demonstrated Dizon’s competence, dedication, and ability to deliver on national priorities.
“Capitalize on the gains of the Build, Build, Build program of the previous administration to ensure that no one will be left behind in the road towards recovery,” Go told Dizon.
He urged the DOTr to ensure infrastructure development benefits all regions equally.
“Please continue implementing the meaningful projects under the Build, Build, Build Program, especially those that will surely bring relief to our commuting public,” Go said.
