President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. justified on Monday his decision to appoint Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon as the new head of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), following the resignation of former Secretary Manuel Bonoan amid alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Speaking to reporters in Pasay City, Marcos confirmed that Bonoan voluntarily stepped down, citing “command responsibility” for controversies that surfaced during his tenure.
“It was Secretary Bonoan who said that, basically, he took responsibility because all of these problems happened under his watch,” Marcos said.
“So under the principle of command responsibility, he felt that he should leave his post.”
Bonoan’s resignation took effect immediately, and Dizon was sworn in the same morning.
Marcos stood firmly by his choice, highlighting Dizon’s accomplishments at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), where he led efforts in transport modernization and commuter safety.
“Why Vince Dizon? Because he has done a very good job at the DOTr, and I think he has already set the stage for all of the things that we need to do,” Marcos explained.
“He’s also familiar with the workings of the Department of Public Works and Highways.”
To ensure continuity at the DOTr, Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez was appointed acting secretary.
In a statement on Sunday, Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said President Marcos expects Dizon to lead a full “organizational sweep” at DPWH to address long-standing corruption and restore public trust in the department.
The President also tasked Dizon to ensure that public funds “are used solely for infrastructure that truly protects and benefits the Filipino people.”
Gomez also confirmed that the Palace has set up an Independent Commission to Investigate Flood Control Anomalies. The body is mandated to review projects, identify irregularities, and recommend accountability measures.
“These decisions reflect the administration’s firm resolve to clean up corruption, strengthen institutions, and deliver honest and effective public service under Bagong Pilipinas,” Gomez said. (Argyll Geducos)
