Bonoan out; Dizon named DPWH chief

Just a day after Manuel Bonoan rejected calls for him to quit as public works secretary, Malacañang announced that he had resigned from the agency, which is under fire for alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

- ALEXIS ROMERO, Neil Jayson Servallos, Christine Boton

President Marcos has accepted Bonoan's resignation, which takes effect today, according to a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) yesterday.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon, who assumed his post only last February, will replace Bonoan and has been tasked "to conduct a full organizational sweep" of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Dizon was also directed to "ensure that public funds are used solely for infrastructure that truly protects and benefits the Filipino people."

"In his resignation letter, Secretary Bonoan expressed support for the President's call for accountability, transparency and reform within the DPWH," the PCO said.

"To lead the DPWH through this critical transition, the President has appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon as the new Secretary of DPWH," it added.

Dizon previously served as presidential adviser on flagship infrastructure projects and president of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority under the previous administration, when he was also deputy chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

PCO Secretary Dave Gomez could not say whether Bonoan submitted a new resignation letter or it was the same one that he sent last May to comply with Marcos' directive for all officials to quit to give way to a performance audit. Gomez noted that all courtesy resignations have no expiry and that all officials serve at the pleasure of the President.

Marcos has also created an independent commission to investigate flood control anomalies. The body has been tasked to conduct a comprehensive review of projects, identify irregularities and recommend accountability measures to ensure public trust in infrastructure spending.

"These decisions reflect the administration's firm resolve to clean up corruption, strengthen institutions, and deliver honest and effective public service under Bagong Pilipinas," the PCO said.