Tugade assures ‘smooth, transparent’ transition of DOTr leadership

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO: Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade. INQUIRER/ Joan Bondoc

MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Sunday welcomed the appointment of former Philippine Airlines (PAL) president Jaime “Jimmy” Bautista as the next chief of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as he assured a smooth and transparent leadership transition.

Tugade made the assurance as he also urged the public to trust and support the decision of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in choosing Bautista as his successor at the DOTr.

“The DOTr Transition team is likewise exerting all efforts to ensure a smooth, full, and transparent transition – one of cooperation, one of support, and one that is geared in making the new administration successful,” Tugade said.

Tugade added that after knowing Bautista for a long time, he knows he will be able to perform his duties as the next transportation secretary.

“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,” said Tugade.

“In the best of my abilities and capabilities, I shall assist in however way asked and needed,” he added.

Bautista was the former president and chief operating officer of the Philippine Airlines before retiring in 2019. He will succeed Tugade as the head of the DOTr on June 30.

/MUF