Bonoan resigns as DPWH secretary; Dizon steps in

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Metro Manila, Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan has resigned from his post amid mounting criticism on alleged anomalous flood control projects.

Malacañang on Sunday, Aug. 31, confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted Bonoan’s resignation, which will take effect on Sept. 1.

The development came a day after Bonoan announced he will not give in to calls for his resignation, adding his exit was not the right way to find solutions. 

The calls came in the wake of Marcos’ order in his fourth State of the Nation Address to audit the government’s flood control projects. Controversies of alleged “ghost” and substandard projects have emerged in recent weeks.

RELATED: DPWH engineer faces attempted bribery complaint 

Bonoan, in his resignation letter, expressed support for Marcos’ call for accountability, transparency, and reform within the DPWH.

Communications Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said he was unsure if Bonoan submitted a new resignation letter. In May, Marcos ordered courtesy resignations as he conducted a government revamp.

“All the courtesy resignations naman have no expiry. We all serve at the pleasure of the president,” Gomez said.

DPWH overhaul under Dizon

Marcos appointed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon as the new DPWH chief, while Transportation Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez will take over as DOTr acting secretary.

Dizon entered the Marcos administration in February after then-DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista resigned for health reasons.

“Secretary Dizon has been tasked to conduct a full organizational sweep of the [DPWH] and ensure that public funds are used solely for infrastructure that truly protects and benefits the Filipino people,” Malacañang said.

Since Marcos’ corruption crackdown on July 28, there has been a reshuffle in the DPWH, as seen in special orders posted on the agency’s website.

On Saturday, Bonoan also announced that the DPWH created an anti-graft and corrupt practices committee.

Independent body

Malacañang also said the president has established an independent commission to investigate flood control anomalies — seemingly responding to calls of several groups and lawmakers for an independent third-party probe.

“This body will conduct a comprehensive review of projects, identify irregularities, and recommend accountability measures to ensure public trust in infrastructure spending,” Gomez said.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will resume its investigation into flood control projects on Monday.

A tri-panel in the House of Representatives will begin looking into alleged irregular infrastructure projects on Sept. 2.