Manila: The Commission on Appointments' (CA) Committee on Transportation on Tuesday approved the ad interim appointment of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, who vowed to expedite key infrastructure projects aimed at easing commuters' daily struggles. Dizon, appearing before the panel, reaffirmed his commitment to fulfill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s marching orders -- to make commuting safer and more comfortable, and to accelerate the implementation of public transport initiatives.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOTr chief also addressed the suspension of the EDSA rehabilitation project, emphasizing that it was not canceled but paused upon the President's directive to find a faster and more commuter-friendly approach. Dizon explained, 'In the past three months, we have tried our best to slowly address even the most basic and smallest issues faced by our commuters. That is what we are trying to do in line with the President's instructions, and we will continue doing so,' he said during the confirmation hearing.
Dizon further elaborated on the President's instructions regarding the EDSA project. 'Ang sabi lang po ng Pangulo, lalong lalo na sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) na siyang lead agency sa pagpapatupad ng EDSA rebuild, let us find a better way (The President simply told us, especially the DPWH which is the lead agency for the EDSA rebuild, to find a better way),' he stated. He noted that instead of a two-year timeline, the President wants the project completed in six months and has asked for a revised plan.
The DPWH initially projected that the rehabilitation cost would be around PHP8.7 billion by the end of the year, with potential total expenses reaching PHP15 billion if work extends to 2027. Dizon expressed that his interim appointment is 'humbling' and that he looks forward to continuing his work 'for as long as the President would have us.' He also confirmed to the panel that his courtesy resignation was rejected by Marcos.
Meanwhile, the scheduled deliberation of the ad interim appointments of Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Roel Aguda and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz were deferred 'due to lack of material time.'
