MANILA – Vivencio “Vince” Dizon has replaced Jaime Bautista as the new secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Malacañang announced on Thursday.
Dizon, former president of the Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and COVID-19 presidential adviser, will assume his new post on February 21, said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
“He is already authorized by the Office of the President to start the transition at the DOTr in coordination with the team of Secretary Jaime Bautista, who has resigned due to health reasons,” Bersamin said in a statement.
DOTr, for its part, confirmed that Bautista is stepping down to give attention to his health, but other reports stated that he was fired by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Secretary Bautista thanked the President for the opportunity to work in government which Bautista considered his most challenging stint,” the DOTR said. “His first government post is most enriching, having served with utmost integrity.”
It added: “Secretary Bautista looks forward to a smooth transition, after which a much needed vacation to recuperate from two and a half years of intense public service.”
In a related development, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez announced on Thursday that he will go on leave.
Chavez told Malacañang reporters that PCO Senior Undersecretary Emerald Ridao is designated as officer-in-charge from February 17 to 21.
“As such, Senior Undersecretary Ridao shall take care of the day-to-day operations of the PCO, and if necessary, act for and on behalf of the Acting Secretary,” the order read./PN
