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Best airport deal

Published Feb 20, 2025 10:49 pm

There will be a changing of the guards at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) this Monday, the eve of the bloodless revolution’s anniversary, with Jaime “JJB” J. Bautista turning over the helm to former Covid-19 Czar Vivencio “Vince” Dizon.

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PFI Transport Deal of the Year Asia Pacific, Feb. 20, 2025

 

As has been reported, JJB’s resignation takes effect at the end of today, Feb. 21st. But as I write this, the soon-to-be ex-DOTr secretary is in London receiving, or has already received, recognition from Project Finance International (PFI), acknowledging the tedious but fruitful public-private partnership for the long overdue rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

PFI is a UK-based leading source of global project finance intelligence.

This is an obligation that JJB referred to when asked about the effectiveness of his resignation a week after it was announced. “I need to finish some commitments. Project Finance International, London has recognized our efforts on NAIA as the best privatization deal.”

Way to go JJB! Salute to both you and, of course, San Miguel Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang. Just on the side, did you know that even RSA is not immune to scammers?

In his own words: “Scammers have used deepfake technology to alter our conversation (old interview with Anthony Taberna) making it appear that I am endorsing an investment opportunity. Let me be absolutely clear—this is a scam. I have never endorsed, and will never endorse, any investment opportunity online.”

RSA advised netizens to stay vigilant, as well as refrain from engaging with, investing in, and to report these scams.

Back to JJB and Mr. Vince.

A flurry of text messages swirled as to the real reason for JJB’s decision to leave. What is the backstory?

It’s beyond doubt JJB decided to bow out of government service because of “health reasons.” For the month of January, he has been going in and out of the hospital.

“I talked to the President. I told him I am going to resign because I am not feeling well. He understood and told me to rest in order to recuperate,” he narrated. That settled.

Now, did you know that the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), inadvertently, was impacted by the resignation of JJB?

Yes Virginia, EJAP was in a predicament! Prior to Thursday last week, EJAP had already sent out the invites for the induction of this year’s President Myla Acuña of Malaya Business Insight and her officers scheduled at the end of this month (Feb. 28) with no less than JJB as the guest of honor and the inducting officer.

But, all’s well that ends well. The EJAP induction event will proceed as scheduled not with the new  DOTr Secretary but with Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan Uy as the guest of honor.

Our profuse appreciation Mr. Ivan, welcome to the fold Mr. Vince. And see you around JJB.

Talkback to me at [email protected]

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