Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez takes over from Vince Dizon as DOTr head
In case you missed it: there’s a recent leadership change as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez as the new head of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Lopez succeeds Vince Dizon, who has been reassigned to lead and clean the disgraced Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from its corrupt officials.
During the leadership turnover ceremony, Acting Secretary Lopez said that the prioritization of commuters’ interests and the resolution of transportation issues will continue, following the directive of the President to make the transport system commuter-centric.
“When Sec. Vince and I went around, we saw the hardship of commuters, so we must prioritize their interest and welfare,” said Acting Secretary Lopez. “If we truly want to solve and address the problems of commuters, we need to go outside because the job is on the road.”
Anti-kamote campaign will continue
Dizon is perhaps remembered by motorists as the no-nonsense secretary of the DOTr. During his short tenure as Transportation Secretary, he immediately directed the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to rid the streets of kamote drivers and motorcycle riders by automatically suspending without due process if they are caught violating traffic rules on video or photos. Kamote is the colloquial term for unruly motorists.
Lopez says that he will continue what the former Transportation Secretary has started, bringing accountability to the roads to ensure the safety of pedestrians, commuters, and other motorists.
“We need to hold reckless motorists and drivers on the road accountable. We will not stop this,” added Lopez.
Who is Banoy Lopez?
Acting Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez is not a “newbie” in the DOTr. A lawyer and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by profession, Lopez has been with the DOTr since 2017, rising the ranks to become the agency’s Director for Legal Service. Lopez also held various key positions under the then-secretary Art Tugade.
In 2022, Lopez was named as the LTO’s Executive Director, and prior to his appointment as Acting Secretary of DOTr, he was serving as Senior Undersecretary for Dizon where he handled the agency’s administration, finance, and procurement matters.
A native of Cagayan, Lopez finished BS Accountancy as Cum Laude at St. Paul University in Tuguegarao City and Bachelor of Laws at San Beda University, Manila.
