In a press briefing last Monday, September 1, 2025, newly appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon vowed to carry out the directives of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., following the resignation of former secretary Manuel Bonoan, which took effect the same day.
Among these directives is the courtesy resignation of DPWH officials at all levels—including undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, division heads, regional directors, and district engineers.
This “clean sweep,” as Dizon described it, is one of the president’s orders aimed at addressing the long-standing issues within the department.
The new DPWH chief also revealed that he had spoken with President Marcos and Trade and Industry Secretary Cris Aldeguer-Roque regarding the “sweeping revamp” of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), the government agency in charge of licensing contractors for public and private construction.
''Kasama rin po iyan dito sa napakalaking web na ang kadahilanan dito sa mga napakasamang mga proyekto na ginamit ang pondo ng bayan at dahilan kung bakit hirap na hirap po ang ating mga kababayan, hindi lamang sa Bulacan, hindi lamang sa Metro Manila kung hindi all over the country,” Dizon asserted, pertaining to the systemic corruption in flood control projects in the country.
Dizon has yet to identify the exact reforms, noting that these will undergo thorough consultation with Roque.
In addition, President Marcos has also ordered him to find the accomplices behind the non-existent projects of the agency, remove them immediately from the position, and file a formal complaint.
Contractors proven to be involved in ghost or substandard projects will face a lifetime ban from participating in bidding and procurement processes once their involvement is proven.
Dizon further emphasized that once anomalies are confirmed, no further investigation will be needed.
Apart from these sanctions, violating contractors will also face the perpetual revocation of their licenses.
Earlier in the briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro announced that President Marcos plans to create an independent commission that will investigate the anomalous projects in DPWH.
The said commission will conduct a rigorous investigation into those reported projects and file charges against contractors, officials, and third parties involved.
Dizon also highlighted the importance of being on the lookout in response to possible instances of banned contractors renaming their companies.
“We just have to be very vigilant. Kailangan nating bantayan ‘yan. At kasama na rin ‘yan sa pag review sa PCAB,” he said.
“We have to ensure that we are able to place long-term structural safety nets para hindi na pwedeng gawin ito ulit,” Dizon added.
The newly appointed DPWH secretary has also underscored that these issues have been existing for decades, not a cycle but a chronic problem.
Beyond these orders from the president, Dizon also pushes to prioritize reviewing the infrastructure projects inflicting suffering on Filipinos, including the flagship projects under the Marcos administration.
Dizon previously managed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for six months, following his appointment in February 2025.
According to the president, Dizon has already “set the stage” during his tenure as the transportation chief.
Given his accomplishments at DOTr, President Marcos asserted that it’s time for Dizon to carry this momentum into the DPWH.
