DPWH Secretary Dizon: 'I don't want to be here anymore' amid lapsed appointment query

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon candidly expressed his desire to leave his post, stating, "I also somewhat don't want to be here anymore," when questioned by a senator about his lapsed appointment. Dizon added that he would be more than happy to relinquish the position if it is indeed declared that his tenure has ended, citing the extreme difficulty of the job. Senator Imee Marcos raised the issue after not receiving a reply within seven days to a letter of inquiry she sent to Dizon's office on September 2, as stipulated by administrative law. Marcos pointed out that under administrative regulations, an acting appointment should have a term ending September 1, 2025, meaning it would have lapsed in 2026. Dizon stated that he still needs to confer with the Office of the President to clarify the exact status of his appointment. Citing information from DPWH Chief-of-Staff Undersecretary Ricardo Bernabe III, Dizon mentioned that his appointment as Secretary continues until Congress's session ends and goes into recess. After which, he would need to be reappointed. Dizon took his oath as DPWH Secretary on September 1, 2025, succeeding Manuel Bonoan, who resigned amid public pressure over a flood control scandal. Dizon, who was then the Secretary of Transportation, had his stint cut short to conduct a "full organizational sweep" within DPWH as ordered by the President. According to Dizon, at least 61 DPWH employees found to have ties to anomalies have been removed from office in the past year, with some facing pending charges. Additionally, at least 19 contractors have been referred to the Ombudsman's office, and 11 contractors have been blacklisted, the DPWH chief added. Information Source: GMA News Philippines