By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On the heels of successive developments related to an ongoing investigation of ‘ghost’ and anomalous flood control projects, which recently culminated in the resignation of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan from his post, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially appointed a new government official to replace the beleaguered Public Works chief.
After leading the launch of the Turismo Asenso Loan Program (TALP) in Pasay City early Monday, the Chief Executive proceeded to Malacañang to administer the oath of office to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez, with the latter filling in for Dizon’s former post as the Transportation chief.
The President earlier said he appointed Dizon to lead the DPWH after he performed well as DOTr Secretary in initiating improvements and setting up reforms.
Marcos told reporters, “He’s done a very good job sa DOTr. And I think he’s already set the stage for all of the things that we need to do. So, puwede na niyang iwanan and go to Public Works, kasi he’s also familiar with the workings of the Department of Public Works and Highways.”
Prior to taking the reins of DOTr, Lopez was sworn in as Undersecretary for Administration, Finance, and Procurement in February 2025. He previously served as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Secretary from 2020-2022, and held senior positions overseeing critical railway, aviation, and maritime infrastructure projects.
As Acting Secretary, Atty. Lopez will ensure continuity and build upon the gains initiated under Secretary Dizon’s leadership—particularly in advancing transport modernization and supporting initiatives that prioritize commuter safety, efficiency, and seamless project delivery.
New DPWH chief launches sweeping measures
Meanwhile, at the Palace press conference held on Monday, newly appointed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon tackled the immediate measures that he will enact upon assuming the post vacated by former Public Works chief Manuel Bonoan.
In his opening spiel, Secretary Dizon echoed the President’s sentiments of frustration, disappointment, and anger, citing Marcos’ inspection of flood mitigation structures in Bulacan and Benguet and the recent widespread flooding in Metro Manila brought about by heavy rainfall arising from the low pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon (habagat).
He then went on to discuss the interventions that he will undertake as the new Public Works chief, which include a courtesy resignation mandate for the agency’s undersecretary, assistant secretary, division heads, regional directors, and district engineers, thus instigating a thorough review of the agency’s officials that echoes the Chief Executive’s directive for a clean sweep of DPWH.
Likewise, he also championed the policy of perpetually blacklisting contractors involved in ‘ghost’ projects by eradicating the need for further investigation into their malpractices have and an in-depth probe into the alleged extortion case involving the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), which was laid bare by Senator Panfilo Lacson during one of the hearings about fictitious and anomalous flood control projects.
Secretary Dizon declared, “Hindi po matatanggap ng ating Pangulo na manonood na lang po tayong lahat sa TV habang ang mga kababayan natin ay nagdurusa araw-araw. It is unacceptable. I’m sure there is a solution to this. We just have to find it, and we just have to do everything we can to solve it.”
He added, “Uulitin ko po ang sinabi ng ating Pangulo: ‘Enough is enough.’ Kailangan na po natin ayusin ito, once and for all—it will start within DPWH; it will start with the Independent Commission that the President will create in the next few days or weeks; it will start with a massive effort from everybody—government, national government, LGU, private sector, everyone.”
To further reinforce accountability, the President also established an Independent Commission to Investigate Flood Control Anomalies. This body will conduct a comprehensive review of projects, identify irregularities, and recommend accountability measures to ensure public trust in infrastructure spending. (with report from Clay Pardilla/PTV News)
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