CLARK FREEPORT -- Transportation Secretary Jose De Jesus said that the agency will be very transparent in government biddings and procurement of equipment by posting them on the agency's website.
De Jesus of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) made this announcement during the testimonial dinner hosted by Capanalig Foundation at the Club Tower in Makati City over the weekend.
Capanalig Foundation is an organization of present and former Kapampangans in government service.
During his speech, De Jesus mentioned that his acceptance of his new government position as secretary of the DOTC is based on transparency, honesty and to fight corruption and to practice good governance.
Before joining the Cabinet of President Benigno Aquino III, De Jesus was the president and chief operating officer of the Manila Electric and Light Company (Meralco). He has previously appointed as the Public Works secretary in the Cabinet of former President Corazon Aquino.
He was also appointed by former President Fidel Ramos as president of Manila North Tollways Corporation in 2005.
"It is even more challenging because I have now 19 government industries attached, namely, airports, seaports, maritime industries, LTO [Land Transportation Office] and the transportation industry among others," De Jesus said.
Meanwhile, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIC) Chairman Nestor Mangio briefed the DOTC secretary on the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), which he dubbed as "the future gateway of the Philippines." He informed him of the modern navigational aides installed at DMIA, the newly completed Terminal 1, and the proposed Terminal 2 and a proposed high speed train.
"The secretary is optimistic of the potentials of DMIA," Mangio told Sun.Star Pampanga.
The secretary informed the group that in order to modernize the airports and because of the insufficient funding from the government, they must be privatized and make the public-private partnership profitable.
He said that his department will maintain close coordination with the business and private sector on major decision concerning the industry. (Ian Ocampo Flora)