DOTr, MMDA heads tender resignation after PBBM directive

Earlier today, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directed all his Cabinet secretaries to submit a courtesy resignation. According to Malacañan, this directive was meant to “recalibrate his administration” following the results of the 2025 midterm elections.

“This is not business as usual. It’s time to realign government with the people’s expectations,” said the President. “This is not about personalities—it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency.”

Malacañan stated that the request for courtesy resignations was intended to provide President Marcos with the necessary flexibility to assess the performance of each department and decide which individuals would remain in their positions, aligning with his administration’s revised priorities.

President Marcos emphasized that, while many members of his Cabinet had demonstrated dedication and professionalism, the changing needs of the nation necessitated a renewed alignment, more rapid execution, and a focus on “results-first mindset.”

“But we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over. The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act,” added the President.

DOTr, MMDA heads tender resignation

Heeding the President’s directive, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has submitted his courtesy resignation.

“In line with the President’s directive to realign government with the people’s expectations and ensure faster and more focused action to address their most pressing needs, the undersigned respectfully tenders his unqualified courtesy resignation as Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).”

Vince Dizon assumed the role of DOTr Secretary on February 21, 2025, succeeding Jaime Bautista. Shortly after his appointment, he directed the suspension of the ‘No RFID, No Entry’ policy, which was to be reinstated in March.

Dizon’s leadership at the DOTr has been marked by a strong focus on Road Safety. He has directed the LTO to act decisively against unruly motorists, and his policy decisions reflect this priority. For instance, he mandated the automatic suspension of licenses for drivers caught engaging in reckless behavior on video. He also ordered the LTO and LTFRB to penalize Pangasinan Solid North Transit, Inc., following a fatal road accident involving one of their buses on SCTEX on May 1. Dizon also stands out as the first DOTr head to openly admit that the LTO’s flawed licensing and registration system, plagued by loopholes and fixers, contributes to road crashes.

If President Marcos accepts Secretary Dizon’s resignation, his successor will inherit 69 of the 186 flagship infrastructure projects under the “Build Better More” program, and potentially, a setback in road safety initiatives.

Meanwhile, MMDA Chairman, Atty. Don Artes said that he will also submit his courtesy resignation to the President.

“As MMDA Chairman with the rank of cabinet secretary, Chairman Artes will comply po with the directive, as he serves at the pleasure of the president. Thank you.”