GIOVANNI Lopez has vowed to ensure continuity at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), pledging to sustain and expand the reforms and projects launched by his predecessor, Secretary Vince Dizon.

“As acting secretary, I will ensure continuity and build upon the gains achieved — particularly in advancing transport modernization and supporting initiatives that prioritize commuter safety, efficiency, and seamless project delivery,” Lopez said.

Lopez, a lawyer from Tuguegarao, Cagayan, began his public service career in the DOTr’s legal service before moving up to key posts overseeing procurement and project implementation in rail, aviation, and maritime transport.

Giovanni Lopez pledges to continue and expand DOTr reforms

From 2020 to 2022, he served as chief of staff to then-Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade, playing a behind-the-scenes role in steering policy and infrastructure development at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was part of the DOTr team that rolled out logistical support for quarantine facilities and helped shape the department’s “Oplan Air” program, which sought to modernize public transport through fleet expansion, new routes, and electronic ticketing. His technical and administrative expertise later earned him a Cabinet-level appointment: in February 2025, Dizon tapped him as undersecretary for Administration, Finance, and Procurement.

Colleagues describe Lopez as a quiet operator who combines legal training with project management experience. A graduate of San Beda College of Law, he earlier finished cum laude at Saint Paul University Philippines and is also an alumnus of the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao, whose community hailed his latest appointment as a “proud moment” for their institution.

Lopez inherits both the momentum and the pressure of delivering on large-scale modernization, from rail expansion and airport upgrades to maritime connectivity and road transport reforms. His challenge, analysts say, is to carry forward the ambitious agenda while ensuring stability at a time of leadership transition across key infrastructure agencies.

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