Newly appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday announced sweeping reforms in the agency, starting from the ‘top to bottom,’ with the mandatory courtesy resignations of all its officials.
In a press conference in Malacañang, Dizon said the move forms part of a nationwide revamp aimed at cleansing the DPWH of officials allegedly involved in anomalous projects.
"Ang unang-una ko pong order na ilalabas: pag-order ng courtesy resignations—top to bottom," he said.
The courtesy resignations includes undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, regional directors, and district engineers.
"Ito po ay simula ng, sabi nga ni Usec. Claire kanina, na ‘clean sweep,’ paglilinis. ‘Yan po ang unang-unang direktiba ng pangulo,” Dizon added.
This will be followed by a thorough full personnel review to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the agency’s officials.
Dizon also shared President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s frustration after witnessing unfinished and substandard flood-control projects in Calumpit, Bulacan.
According to residents of Barangays Bulusan and Frances, it was the first time a national government official visited their flood-stricken communities.
"Hindi ko po matatanggap at hindi po matatanggap ng ating Pangulo na manonood na lang tayo sa TV habang ang mga kababayan natin ay nagdudurusa araw-araw. It is unacceptable," Dizon said.
"Ang utos po sa atin ng Pangulo ay mag-clean house, linisin ang ahensya," he added.
He further stressed that many qualified individuals deserve to lead the department and confirmed that Marcos has directed him to find replacements for current officials once their resignations are submitted.
"Ako po ay naniniwala na maraming mabubuti at magagaling na kawani ang DPWH. Ang utos ng Pangulo hanapin sila at sila ang ilagay sa mga sensitibo at importanteng posisyon," he emphasized.
Dizon noted that when a project turns out to be a so-called “ghost project,” as the President described it, it means there were officials within the DPWH who approved it.
"Hindi po magkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng mga proyekto kung walang kakuntsaba sa loob ng DPWH," the DWPH chief added.
"Kapag ang isang project ay guni-guni ika nga ng ating Pangulo o ghost project hindi po pwedeng walang tao sa DPWH na nag-sign off sa mga proyektong 'yan," he said.
Dizon cited as example the non-existent flood control project in Marcos recent visit in Calumpit, Bulacan.
“Ang utos ng ating Pangulo hanapin ‘yung mga ‘yun at tanggalin sa puwesto at kasuhan. Iyon po ang unang gagawin natin sa mga susunod na araw, susunod na linggo,” he added.
Dizon, who briefly served as acting transportation secretary prior to his new post, emphasized that his reforms seek to restore public trust in the DPWH and ensure accountability for both officials and contractors.
