MANILA, Philippines — Newly returned Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that passenger safety and the welfare of public utility vehicle operators will remain his top directives, even as his comeback drew contrasting reactions from transport sectors.
Dizon hit the ground running on his first day back by conducting terminal inspections in Manila to check readiness for the upcoming Undas holiday rush under the “Oplan Byaheng Undas” initiative.
During his rounds, the transport chief flagged substandard restroom facilities at the stations.
His return elicited a polarized response from transport advocacy groups. While the group Manibela warmly welcomed his reappointment and expressed support with a casual statement saying “lab yu,” short for “I love you,” the militant group Piston voiced sharp opposition.
Piston claimed that Dizon’s reinstatement is a calculated move to fast-track the controversial phaseout of traditional jeepneys.
Addressing the criticisms, Dizon maintained that the agency’s dual mission is to safeguard commuters while extending assistance to drivers and operators whose daily sustenance relies on public transit.
“Ang priority ng DOTr, siguraduhin na safe at maayos ang biyahe ng mga commuter. Pero, tutulungan natin ang ating mga jeepney driver, jeepney operator, kasi … kabuhayan ‘yan,” Dizon stated.
“So … whether purihin nila ako, murahin nila ako, wala naman akong pakialam. Gagawin ko lang ‘yung trabaho ko,” he added, brushing off both praise and backlash.
Dizon also announced plans to occasionally experience public commuting firsthand to better grasp the daily struggles of ordinary passengers.
This follows a directive initiated by his predecessor, Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez, requiring transport officials to take public transport. However, Dizon noted that doing so daily is unrealistic due to heavy administrative duties.
“Hindi naman araw-araw (ang commute), patay tayo sa meeting …’Di tayo aabot. Para maintindihan ko lang kung ano ‘yung mga problema tsaka kung papaano makapaghanap tayo ng solusyon,” he explained.