Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista announced his resignation on Thursday, citing health concerns after more than two years of service under the Marcos administration. His resignation, effective at the end of office hours on February 21, 2025, marks the conclusion of a tenure where he described his role as both challenging and enriching.
Bautista, who was appointed to head the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in 2022, said that stepping down would allow him to focus on his health after fulfilling prior commitments. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. accepted Bautista’s resignation and has already moved to appoint a successor.
In a statement, Bautista expressed gratitude to President Marcos for the opportunity to serve in government, which he referred to as his most challenging post. “I am proud to have served with utmost integrity during my time as Secretary,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of a smooth leadership transition for the DOTr, noting that he would take a much-needed vacation after a demanding two-and-a-half-year period in office.
Bautista’s resignation has raised questions on the continuity of the DOTr’s ongoing infrastructure and modernization projects. As the transportation sector remains crucial to the nation’s economic recovery, attention will now turn to the incoming leadership’s ability to maintain momentum in key initiatives.
