As a new administration is about to take office, president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tapped Jimmy Bautista to be the next secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Jimmy Bautista is a former president and chief operating officer (CEO) of the Philippines Airlines from 2004 to 2019. He served the flag carrier for 25 years with earlier positions as Vice President for Finance from 1993 to 1994, Chief Finance Officer from 1994 to 1999, and Executive Vice President from 1999 to 2004.
Perhaps the biggest challenge of the incoming DOTr Secretary is formulating solutions for the transport issues amid the soaring fuel prices. In some filling stations, a liter of gasoline has reached around Php 92, with no signs of plummeting anytime soon. He will continue overseeing the construction of various infrastructure projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).
Outgoing DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade expressed his support for the agency’s new head. One of the concluding projects Tugade spearheaded this year is the free rides at MRT-3 (Metro Rail Transit Line 3), combating the increase in fuel prices. He also vowed to assist the new secretary to ensure only the best for the sector.
“I personally know my successor, Jimmy Bautista. We have long years of association and friendship. His professionalism, experience, dedication, and hard work will certainly augur well in his being the Secretary of Transportation. In the best of my abilities and capabilities, I shall assist in however way asked and needed,” said Tugade.
Other nominees in the transport sector are former Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Deputy Administrator Cesar Chavez as Undersecretary-designate for Rails of the agency, veteran journalist and lawyer Atty. Cheloy E. Garafil as Chairperson-designate of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Christopher “Chet” Pastrana as General Manager-designate of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
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