After the unexpected resignation of the former DOTC Secretary Jose de Jesus, President Aquino III confirmed yesterday that his defeated running mate, former Senator Mar Roxas, will be the new secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

He will be taking over De Jesus after the resignation of the latter take effect on June 30. The resigning DOTC Secretary was reportedly frustrated by the slow action on issues bedeviling his department.

In a press conference made in Malacañang shortly before 3:00 p.m. yesterday, Pres. Aquino said that Roxas accepted his offer last Monday. He also said that Roxas will becoming a senior member of his Cabinet’s economic cluster.

Below are the brief statement that President Benigno Aquino III personally told to the press.

“Tinanggap po kahapon ni Mar Roxas ang alok ko na maging kalihim ng DOTC…patuloy niyang gagampanan ang iba pang tungkulin na iaatas ko sa kanya.”

“Hindi pwede magtiwala sa kung sinu-sino, dapat may kakayahan at kailangan na kaya akong sabayan sa pagtahak sa tuwid na landas dahil maraming mamahaling proyekto ang hawak ng ahensiyang ito,” Aquino said.

“Kailangan ko ng kaibigang reresponde sa mabilis na pangagailangan.”