Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday confirmed the resignation of Undersecretary Arrey Perez following allegations of connections with contractors as raised by Rep. Leandro Leviste in an interview on DZRH earlier today.

In a live press conference held in Clark, Pampanga, Dizon said he immediately spoke with Perez after Rep. Leandro Leviste mentioned his name in connection with rumors of alleged irregularities within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Kinakausap ko agad-agad si Undersecretary Arrey Perez at sinabi ko sa kanya na niname ka ni Cong. Leviste although si Cong. Leviste rin naman nagsabi na these are based on rumors,” Dizon stated.

According to Dizon, he told Perez that the DPWH would investigate the matter thoroughly, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to cleanse the department of corruption regardless of rank or affiliation.

“Kinausap ko si Undersecretary Perez at sinabi ko iimbestigahan natin ito kasi ‘yon ang kabilin-bilinan ng pangulo sa atin — na kailangan linisin natin ang DPWH at ang paglilinis ay walang sinisino, walang sinasanto,” Dizon said.

Dizon shared that Perez voluntarily tendered his irrevocable resignation to avoid becoming a distraction to the agency’s ongoing reform efforts.

“Ang sabi niya sa akin, unang-una winewelcome niya ‘yon pero ayaw niyang maka-sagabal at ayaw niyang maging distraction ito dahil alam niya na napaka-bigat ng kailangan nating gawin,” he added.

The secretary confirmed that Perez’s resignation has been accepted effective immediately. However, Dizon clarified that the ongoing probe will continue despite Perez’s departure from office.

“Hindi porket nag-resign ay hindi na iimbestigahan,” Dizon emphasized.

The DPWH chief assured the public that the department remains committed to transparency and accountability, saying that no one will be spared from investigation.