The clamor for DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon’s retention is not merely a suggestion, but a necessity for the continued progress of the nation’s transportation infrastructure. He embodies the proactive spirit championed by the Marcos Jr. administration, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to addressing public concerns with swift and decisive action.
Time and again, Dizon has proved exceptional leadership and strategic vision in advancing key government projects. His expertise in managing large-scale infrastructure initiatives ensures timely completion and effective resource allocation.
Bureaucratic delays greatly reduced to accelerate project timelines so that new infrastructure are to be completed more quickly and efficiently. As a result, Communities benefit from improved transportation options, enhancing economic opportunities and the quality of life. Additionally, faster project completion reduces costs, enabling the government to allocate resources to other critical areas.
A DOTr secretary’s mandate consists of managing at least twenty two (22) frontline agencies covering road, railway, maritime and aviation, including the Philippine Coast Guard, encompassing traffic, safety and security issues . Every passenger or traveler in all our roads, seas, rails and skies is DOTr’s responsibility and that alone is already a super-herculean task. You can just imagine how busy Secretary Dizon is on a day-to-day basis to be in constant communication with his twenty two frontliner agency heads.
This is why today, mainstream news and social media are full of Secretary Dizon. From inspecting MRT3, LRT 1 and 2, the EDSA Busway stations, the planned closure and rehab of Guadalupe Bridge and San Juanico Bridge, he is seen in seaports and in NAIA overseeing its rehab and at the same time ordering the shutdown of Air Asia’s overbooking online platform.
We’ve seen him warn bus companies about passenger convenience and ordered his people to run after license scammers and asking the public to follow traffic rules diligently with the return of the Non-Contact Apprehension program (NCAP) and possible implementation of ODD-EVEN scheme in Metro Manila.
Dizon’s strong relationships with traditional media and his reputation as an ‘action man’ on social media further solidifies his position as an effective public servant. His transparency and readiness to address failures head-on exemplify the kind of accountability that fosters confidence in leadership. By openly acknowledging mistakes and quickly taking corrective measures, he sets a standard for other officials, reinforcing the importance of being answerable to the citizens they serve.
While there were previous mudslinging against him in both the Duterte and present Marcos administrations, all were consistently refuted, with his actions on the ground serving as the ultimate testament to his integrity. Yet, despite these challenges, he continues to work tirelessly, prioritizing the needs of the Filipino people above all else.
Today, the nation wants Dizon’s pro-active leadership and oversight, expertise in managing complex government agencies, reduced bureaucratic delays, integrity and resilience and at the same time effective communication with both traditional and social media. And last but very important, is his quick and sincere responsiveness in addressing public concerns.
Retaining Secretary Dizon is not just a matter of continuity, but a strategic imperative for ensuring the continued advancement of the Philippines’ transportation infrastructure and the well-being of its citizens.
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Garin’s DOE: From OIC to Secretary – A Title Earned
A few weeks ago, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) own press briefing, ironically, ran out of power. A literal blackout during a briefing on energy security. At the time, it drew chuckles and headlines. But in hindsight, maybe it was more than just a glitch—maybe it was a flicker before the switch. Because just days later, the Cabinet began to shift.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s move to reshuffle his trusted Cabinet sends a loud message: the era of seat-warmers is over. What the government needs — and what the public demands — are officials who show up, study hard, and deliver.
Outgoing Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla leaves the department on firmer ground, guided by his legal acumen and calm leadership. He now brings that same quiet strength to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) , where it’s just as needed.
He chose DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin as Officer-in-Charge (OIC), for obvious reasons to insiders because she wears many hats—from leading legal and financial services to steering investment promotion. She led key reforms: opening up renewables, pushing the Natural Gas Law, streamlining permits, and tackling transmission bottlenecks.
Before joining the DOE, she was a twelve-year House veteran and former Deputy Speaker. But Garin didn’t just file bills—she moved the economy. From TRAIN to CREATE, the CMTA to the New Public Service Act, her legislative fingerprints helped shape the country’s biggest economic reforms. Through the years, she earned a reputation as a workhorse—meticulous, studious, and always prepared. No grandstanding, just grounded, data-driven policymaking. Garin’s the rare breed who does the homework. She understands both the policy and the politics, an invaluable mix in a department as critical and complex as Energy.
Now OIC Garin will continue the quiet work through the toughest power problems—and there are plenty. The country tiptoes through an energy maze. The power supply is tight, prices are jumpy, and parts of our grid are one storm away from trouble. We are still dependent on imported fuel, making us vulnerable to global shocks. And while the world races toward cleaner and smarter energy, our shift is somehow still in first gear.
Amid these perennial challenges lies the elephant in the room: nuclear energy. High-stakes, highly technical, and politically sensitive—it’s the kind of minefield most officials would rather avoid. But Garin didn’t flinch. She was tasked to study, assess, and lead the tough conversations. And she delivered with focus, caution, and deep understanding.
That quiet strength may well come from her roots. Born and raised in Iloilo, Garin hails from a family long involved in public service, but she has carved her own space through competence, not legacy. Educated in economics and law, she understands the complex intersections of policy, business, and governance.
In other words, she has proven performance, fully understands the energy challenges, expert in nuclear energy , has legislative experience, a workhorse reputation and deep understanding of DOE’s policies and politics.
Maybe it’s time we drop the formality or rather, upgrade it. Because when someone’s already doing the job with brains, backbone, and quiet brilliance, the title shouldn’t just say “OIC.” It should say “Secretary.” Just a thought, but a powerful one.