Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon denied reports that he would return as secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), dismissing speculation that President Bongbong Marcos was planning to reassign him to his former post.
Dizon addressed the reports Thursday, Oct. 8, after inspecting Maysan Road in Valenzuela City with Mayor Wes Gatchalian.
“Kayo naman puro kayo tsismis eh. Hindi totoo yan,” Dizon told reporters,
rejecting claims that he was being considered to lead the transportation department again.
Dizon previously served as DOTr secretary before Marcos appointed him to lead the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), replacing Manuel Bonoan, whose resignation took effect on Sept. 1, 2025, amid investigations into alleged irregularities in flood-control projects.
After Dizon’s transfer, Marcos appointed then-Transportation Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez as acting DOTr secretary.
Upon taking over the DPWH, Dizon was tasked by Marcos with conducting a comprehensive organizational review, addressing corruption and investigating questionable infrastructure projects, including alleged ghost projects linked to the flood-control controversy.
Dizon has been aggressively pursuing efforts to eliminate corruption within the department, filing reports against individuals involved in irregularities, including now-jailed former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and fugitive Zaldy Co, while also removing department officials over poor performance or failure to meet their responsibilities.
Malacañang had already addressed the shakeup reports on Oct. 7, with Palace Press Officer Claire Castro saying there was no information confirming Dizon’s supposed return to the DOTr.
The speculation also included Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, who was rumored to be stepping down from his post. Aguda denied the report and said he remained focused on carrying out his responsibilities.
Dizon remains secretary of the DPWH, while Lopez continues to serve as acting head of the DOTr. President Marcos recently extended both officials’ appointments, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed on Sept. 30.
