BIZ BUZZ: Changes in DOTr (Part 2)

The new transport chief confirmed he had issued a memorandum ordering courtesy resignations of the department’s undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and directors—but it should not necessarily be a matter of concern.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon, in a press briefing on Tuesday, said it was only “standard” to make that move “when there is a change in leadership in government.”

“It is a simple gesture of goodwill and good faith to the newly appointed leadership,” Dizon said.

READ: BIZ BUZZ: Dizon’s duty calls

But “it does not mean that I will accept those courtesy resignations in toto,” he stressed.

“It just means that we are now given the free hand to move people around; if possible, look at the talents that we have already in DOTr (Department of Transportation) and also look at outside talents that may be able to help us,” Dizon explained.

The new transport chief said he had already recommended seven names—which include individuals who worked for the government in previous administrations—for appointment before the Office of the President.

Dizon said they were just waiting for the decision, which might come out this week.

So, the questions are: Who will remain at the DOTr? Who are the new faces the department will welcome? —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

The row over Metro Manila Subway’s ROW

Just like what his father accomplished with the Light Rail Transit Line 1, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wanted to build an ambitious railway network before his term’s end. His administration, as such, has been keen on realizing the Metro Manila Subway, the country’s very first underground railway project.

But the project dubbed the “crown jewel” of the rail sector might be losing some of its shine.

A source said the subway, along with the North-South Commuter Railway and other projects, was finding it difficult to move forward because of right-of-way (ROW) issues brought about by an impasse arising from conflicting policies on resettlement action plans.

According to the country’s loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Asia Development Bank for these projects, the people who will be affected by to ROW acquisition must be given compensation in full before their displacement. This policy is in line with the financial institution’s environmental and social guidelines.

But the country’s ROW act provides for payment of only 50 percent of the negotiated price of the sold land upon the deed of sale. The remaining will only be paid after the land is “completely cleared of structures, improvements, crops and trees.”

A source said this was seen to disrupt the construction because the people who were supposed to already move out would remain on the property while the clearing process was being done. After all, these people are waiting for the remainder of the payment before leaving.

Given this conflict, the projects might be derailed from achieving the target completion before the current administration ends its term. However, the source said there was hope of at least having partial operations by 2028. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad INQ