Marcos appoints Dizon as new DPWH chief; accepts Bonoan’s resignation

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon as the new Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). 

The appointment comes after Marcos accepted the resignation of outgoing DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, according to a statement from Malacañang on Sunday, August 31.

According to Malacanang, Dizon has been tasked “to conduct a full organizational sweep of the department and ensure that public funds are used solely for infrastructure that truly protects and benefits the Filipino people.”

Marcos also appointed lawyer Giovanni Lopez as the new acting transportation secretary.

Malacañang said Lopez, who has been with the Department of Transportation since 2020, previously served as Undersecretary for Administration, Finance and Procurement.

“As Acting Secretary, Atty. Lopez will ensure continuity and build upon the gains initiated under Secretary Dizon’s leadership—particularly in advancing transport modernization and supporting initiatives that prioritize commuter safety, efficiency, and seamless project delivery,” the Palace said in its statement. 

Meanwhile, the Palace said that Marcos established an Independent Commission to Investigate Flood Control Anomalies that will review projects, identify irregularities and recommend measures to hold corrupt officials accountable. 

On August 30, before his resignation, Bonoan implemented a reshuffling of several engineering district heads across the country amid allegations of irregularities in flood control projects. 

A day earlier, Bonoan also moved to suspend all personal foreign travel of DPWH personnel until November 30, citing the need for “transparency, accountability, and public service integrity” while projects are being validated. 

It can be recalled that on August 11, Marcos exposed the issue of flood control contractors monopolizing government contracts.

He released a list showing that 15 contractors had cornered P109 billion worth of flood control projects from July 2022 to May 2025 under the DPWH. 

This revelation sparked public outrage over the alleged anomalies amid persistent flooding problems despite the massive government funds allocated for flood prevention.