Marcos taps Fred Pascual, Manny Bonoan to lead DTI, DPWH

President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Thursday that he has tapped Alfredo Pascual and Manuel "Manny" Bonoan to lead the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), respectively.

"I have asked Fred Pascual to head the DTI and he has agreed," Marcos said at a press conference.

"I am intending to nominate Manny Bonoan for [the] Department of Public Works and Highways. I know him very well, I know he will do a good job..." he added. 

In a statement, outgoing Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez congratulated Pascual on being named as his successor.

“With his competence, integrity, energy and a wide range of experience in different industries, I know he will steer DTI towards greater heights in the years ahead. He is an excellent choice!” Lopez said.

“I will be leaving DTI in the most capable hands of Secretary Pascual,” the Trade chief added.

Lopez said he will extend his full support to Pascual for a smooth transition.

Pascual is the head of the Management Association of the Philippines and a former president of the University of the Philippines. 

Bonoan, on the other hand, is the president and chief executive officer of SMC Tollways. — with Ted Cordero/RSJ/VBL, GMA News