Following the resignation of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon as the new head of the DPWH.
Following this, several senators have issued statements in response to the leadership change.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson: "A hard decision and a good choice"
Senator Panfilo Lacson lauded President Marcos Jr.'s decision, describing it as both “hard” and “good,” acknowledging the controversy surrounding the DPWH and the challenge Dizon will inherit.
Sen. Win Gatchalian: "Put corrupt officials and contractors in jail"
Senator Win Gatchalian expressed full support for Dizon’s appointment, calling him a man of action and integrity. He emphasized that rooting out corruption must be Dizon’s top priority.
“Very good choice! He's an action man and a man of integrity. I'm very confident that he will get the job done without corruption. But the first order of business is to put corrupt officials and contractors in jail. This will bring back the confidence of the people to DPWH.”
Gatchalian pointed to the urgent need for accountability and warned that public trust can only be restored through decisive legal action.
Sen. JV Ejercito: "A miracle might be needed"
Senator JV Ejercito underscored the enormity of the task ahead for Dizon, calling it a “daunting” job. While offering his support, Ejercito did not downplay the magnitude of the problems plaguing the department.
His comments reflect the sentiment that major reforms at DPWH won’t be easy but are urgently needed.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo: "Action agad, hindi palusot"
Senator Erwin Tulfo, known for his strong stance against corruption, called Dizon’s appointment a fresh start for DPWH. He praised Dizon’s fast-response style at the Department of Transportation and called for similar urgency at DPWH.
“Magandang simula ito para tuluyang malinis ang DPWH sa mga isyu ng korapsyon. Anim na buwan pa lang si Sec. Vince sa DOTR, nakita na natin kung paano siya kumilos—pag may reklamo, hindi pinapatagal, agad inaaksyunan. ‘Yan ang klase ng liderato na kailangan natin ngayon,“ Tuflo said.
“Sa dami ng lumalabas na impormasyon tungkol sa mga anomalya sa flood control projects, kailangan natin ng kalihim na agresibo at hindi natutulog sa mga ebidensya. Dapat aksyon agad, hindi palusot,“ he added.
“Kaya umaasa tayo na sa pamumuno ni Sec. Dizon sa DPWH, matutuldukan na ang sabwatan ng mga kontratista, ilang opisyal ng DPWH, at iba pang public officials.”
Tulfo highlighted flood control anomalies as a pressing issue and warned against inaction in the face of evidence.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada: "A leadership upgrade, but a loss for integrity"
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada commended Dizon’s performance at the DOTr and expressed optimism about his ability to bring order and transparency to the DPWH.
However, Estrada also lamented the loss of Secretary Bonoan, who he said served with honesty but was undermined by subordinates.
“Maganda ang ipinakitang performance ni Sec. Vince Dizon bilang Kalihim ng Department of Transportation at sang-ayon ako sa klase ng kanyang pamamalakad, maging sa mga ipinatutupad niyang polisiya sa departamento at mga attached agencies nito,“ said Estrada.
“Umaasa ako na sa ilalim ng panunungkulan ni Sec. Vince ay matutuldukan na ang mga hindi katanggap-tanggap na kalakaran sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto ng DPWH,“ he emphasized.
The Senator said it is “regrettable that Sec. Manuel Bonoan, who rose from the ranks in the DPWH, had to leave the post when the department is enmeshed in questionable projects.“
“Nakakadismaya lang na marami sa mga nasa mas mababang posisyon kaysa sa kanya ay hindi naging tapat sa kanilang panunungkulan gaya niya at sangkot pa sa mga ghost projects,“ he added.
Estrada stressed that systemic problems remain, especially among lower-level officials allegedly involved in ghost projects.
Sen. Loren Legarda: "We are here to help"
Senator Loren Legarda offered her full support to the new secretary and emphasized the need for transparency in all public works programs.
“I wish Sec. Vince all the best in the most difficult task ahead. We are here to help him achieve our goal of transparency, and upholding the public good.”
Dizon assumes leadership of the DPWH amid growing concerns over alleged corruption and irregularities in flood control projects. Lawmakers expect him to bring reform and restore public trust in the agency.
