Is Vince Dizon still DPWH chief? Senator raises questions

The tenure of Vince Dizon as acting Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is under scrutiny, with Senator Imee Marcos raising questions about his legal standing. During a budget hearing at the Senate, Marcos cited the Administrative Code of 1987, stating that temporary appointments should not exceed one year. Dizon was appointed acting DPWH secretary on September 1, 2025, suggesting his term may have already expired. Marcos pressed Dizon on the legal basis for his continued presence at the DPWH, to which he responded that he was there because he had not yet been fired. Furthermore, Dizon stated he was unaware of any reappointment, which Senator Marcos indicated had occurred on July 27. Dizon deferred to the Office of the President for clarification on his appointment status, as he is not the appointing authority. Marcos implied that Dizon's continued attendance at the hearing would be unlawful if his appointment had indeed lapsed. Interestingly, Dizon expressed a willingness to step down, stating that he would be happy to accept his removal from the post. He described the DPWH secretary role as "extremely difficult" and expressed relief at the prospect of no longer holding the position. This sentiment highlights the immense pressure and challenges associated with leading the DPWH, an agency often plagued by corruption issues and critical to the nation's infrastructure development, especially during times of political transition.