Bengzon is officially new DOT spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat officially designated Benito Bengzon Jr., undersecretary for tourism development, as the new spokesperson of the Tourism department.

“In the interest of the service Benito C. Bengzon Jr. Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning, is hereby designated as Spokesperson of the Department of Tourism,” the department order read.

DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. designated as tourism spokesperson @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews Photo from DOT pic.twitter.com/sUDrxuNNJw

— Cath Talavera (@cath_talavera) May 21, 2018

“This Order shall take effect immediately and remain valid unless subsequently amended and/or revoked,” it added.

Last Thursday, Puyat already named Bengzon as her chosen spokesperson. However, she said the latter was hesitant to accept her offered post.

Puyat previously said Bengzon is the most qualified spokesperson because he “has been in the department forever.” She cited that Bengzon served the agency for more than 30 years.

She also named Bengzon as one of the undersecretaries she would retain amid her call for her subordinates to submit their courtesy resignations.

“He knows the department inside and out,” Puyat previously said.

“The reason why I chose him is because of his experience, nothing else. Nothing like I don’t like the previous spokesman but I just feel that the spokesperson should have had experience,” she added.

The DOT chief also said seniority is also a factor in choosing Bengzon.

With the department order, Bengzon is returning as the spokesperson of the DOT. He was also the spokesman of former DOT chief Ramon Jimenez Jr.

Bengzon was also a former Assistant Secretary for International Tourism Promotions of the DOT. 

He is replacing resigned Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre.