Next DOTC chief: Give me 2 years, kick me out if I'm useless

MANILA - "'Pag wala akong nagawa after two years, sipain n'yo ako, wala akong silbi."

This is what incoming Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Arthur Tugade said Monday as he bared his gameplan in resolving the country's transportation problems.

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Tugade shared he first wants to change the work attitude of DOTC employees by prohibiting tardiness, glum demeanor and departmental meetings during office hours.

Tugade said he will also eradicate corruption within the agency.

"'Yung mga tao, basta career igagalang ko iyan, basta sumunod ka sa akin. Kapag ikaw ay tumanggap, sisisantihin kita," he said.

In his first 100 days, he will also endorse the granting of emergency powers to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to solve the traffic nightmare in Metro Manila.

READ: Duterte aide warns: 'No emergency powers, no reform'

Tugade said he will also continue the Aquino administration's program for the phaseout of old public utility vehicles.

He will also prioritize easing airport congestion, the installation of Wi-Fi routers at sea ports and the creation of a printing office for driver's licenses and vehicle plates.

Tugade is also eyeing the procurement of cable cars and double-decker buses, the continuation of the bus rapid transit program and the modernization of the rail system.

He will also draft a 30-year transportation road map, which he plans to present before his term ends.

TAKE OVER PREPS

Tugade shared that he is satisfied with his transition meetings with outgoing DOTC officials led by Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

"They are so transparent, marami kaming nakikita na dapat pagtuunan… He [Abaya] is a gentleman and an officer."

"They answered everything we asked… On that regard, saludo po ako sa kaniya," he said.

He said he will honor the agreements Abaya entered with private firms, but will also review pending DOTC projects.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Tugade is from a poor family in Tatalon, Quezon City.

With perseverance, he earned a bachelor degree in Laws, cum Laude, at the San Beda College where he and President-elect Rodrigo Duterte were class mates.

Tugade also completed a financial management program at the national university of Singapore.

He resigned as president and CEO of the Clark Development Corporation to help Duterte in the his poll campaign. -- Report from Jacque Manabat, ABS-CBN News