President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has accepted the resignation of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, effective September 1, Malacañang announced on Sunday.
In his resignation letter, Bonoan expressed support for the administration’s campaign for “accountability, transparency, and reform” amid ongoing investigations into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has been appointed as the new DPWH chief. Malacañang said Dizon has been instructed to conduct a full organizational sweep and ensure that public funds are used solely for infrastructure projects that benefit Filipinos.
The DPWH also released a video message from Bonoan prior to his resignation. In the message, he stated:
“Leaving or avoiding responsibility is not the right way to find a solution. I will accept accountability. But remember, I will not tolerate or allow any kind of corruption. This is heartbreaking and very painful to accept that these things are happening under my watch, no matter how strict our policy against corruption.”
Meanwhile, lawyer Giovanni Lopez has been named acting Secretary of the Department of Transportation to ensure continuity in ongoing transport modernization programs. Lopez, who has served as Undersecretary for Administration, Finance, and Procurement since February, previously handled major railway, aviation, and maritime projects.
Marcos also ordered the creation of an independent body to investigate the alleged flood control anomalies, tasked with reviewing projects, identifying irregularities, and recommending accountability measures.
“These decisions reflect the administration’s firm resolve to clean up corruption, strengthen institutions, and deliver honest and effective public service under Bagong Pilipinas,” Malacañang said.