Philippines: Marcos Replaces Public Works Chief Amid Flood Control Scandal

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has accepted the resignation of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, effective September 1, following mounting controversy over alleged corruption in government flood control projects.

Marcos named Vince Dizon, currently the country’s transportation secretary and a close ally known for his infrastructure work, as the new head of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Presidential officials said Dizon has been ordered to carry out a “full organizational sweep” of the department, long criticized as one of the Philippines’ most corruption-prone agencies. An independent commission will also be formed to investigate irregularities in flood control spending.

The leadership shake-up drew strong reactions from lawmakers. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Dizon’s “hands-on approach and fresh perspective” could help restore credibility to the agency, while Senator JV Ejercito warned that cleaning up the DPWH may take “a miracle.” Other senators, including Panfilo Lacson and Erwin Tulfo, expressed cautious optimism, noting that Dizon has a reputation for swift action on complaints.

The move underscores Marcos’s push to project his “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) agenda as a government committed to transparency and accountability—though critics say the administration faces an uphill battle in eradicating entrenched corruption from key agencies.