Isko Moreno new Northrail head

Former Manila Vice Mayor Francisco Domagoso has been appointed by President Duterte as the new chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the North Luzon Railways Corporation (Northrail).

Domagoso, who is more known as Isko Moreno, was originally appointed by Duterte as a member of the Northrail’s board of directors. He replaced Jose Martin Aliling and would serve from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

The former actor told The Manila Bulletin that the nomination was approved by the BCDA board Wednesday afternoon.

“Ngayon lumabas na ‘yung nomination ni President Duterte (President Duterte’s nomination just came out today), through Executive Secretary [Salvador] Medialdea, endorsing me to the board as the chairman and CEO. In-approve ng (It was approved by the) BCDA just now,” he said.

Northrail, a pre-operating subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), is an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Its primary purpose is to develop, construct, operate, and manage a railroad system to serve Metro Manila, and Central and Northern Luzon.

Domagoso thanked Duterte for the appointment. “First, I’m honored and grateful to President Duterte for giving me the opportunity to go back to public service,” he said.

After serving as Manila’s vice mayor from 2007 to 2016, Domagoso ran for senator last year, placing only 15th.

Domagoso said he will continue the agency’s ongoing projects and attend to incoming projects.

“We’ll do things in our own little way to be part of the development of the incoming projects to develop mass transit in the metropolis and the ongoing plan [of a railway system from] Tutuban to Angeles, Pampanga,” he said.