DOTr backs USec Batan against corruption claims

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday backed Undersecretary Timothy John Batan, who Assistant Secretary Mark Tolentino had earlier accused of being a "dilawan" official stalling the Mindanao Railway project.

"Contrary to attempts at misinformation, Usec. Batan only joined the then DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communication) towards the end of October 2015, was with the DOTC for a little over six months, and was only a contractual employee," the DOTr said in a statement.

"Hence, the issue on 'dilawan', which Asec. Tolentino appears to be unable to move on from has been raised and considered a non-issue when Sec. Tugade and Malacañang made a decision to appoint Usec. Batan as Undersecretary for Railways."

Tolentino had earlier accused a certain "dilawan" official of wanting to manipulate the bidding process for the Mindanao Railway Project.

The project was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in June 2017, with the bidding scheduled to push through June this year.

The first phase of the project, which involved the establishment of a 102.28-kilometer commuter railway from Tagum City in Davao del Norte to Digos City in Davao del Sur, would cost P35.26 billion.

The DOTr also said that Tolentino had coveted the position awarded to Batan.

"Unknown to many, Asec. Tolentino presented himself as a candidate for the position of Undersecretary for Railways when it was opened in November 2017," read the department statement.

"Short in experience and background in the railways sector, in large-scale infrastructure development, and in transportation in general, he resorted to name calling and charging Usec. TJ Batan as 'dilawan' for having started his public service in the previous administration." — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News