Dizon says he's 'happy to leave' DPWH as senators question expired appointment
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon told a Senate hearing on Friday that he would welcome being removed from his post, after Senator Imee Marcos flagged that his appointment had lapsed on September 1, 2026.
Speaking before the Senate, Dizon said the job has been extremely difficult and that he would accept a decision declaring his tenure over. His remarks came after Marcos noted that his acting appointment, which began on September 1, 2025, had expired under the Administrative Code, which limits such appointments to one year.
What did Dizon say about his lapsed appointment?
When Senator Marcos asked about the status of his appointment, Dizon replied with unusual candor, saying he would be happy to step down.
“Permission to speak frankly. Ma'am, this is music to my ears kasi medyo ayoko na rin pong nandito ako eh, so gusto ko na pong wala ako dito. Okay na po ito, masaya pa po ako,” Dizon said.
He added in Filipino and English: “To be quite frank, it would be very welcome kung totoo po 'yung sinasabi ninyo na hindi na ako secretary ng DPWH. I will be more than happy to accept that kasi napakahirap po ng trabaho na to.”
Why did Senator Imee Marcos question his tenure?
Marcos raised the issue after following up on a letter of inquiry she sent to Dizon's office on September 2. She said she received no reply within seven days, as required by the Administrative Code.
“I'm sorry, but the Administrative Code is very clear that it is only one year, and if you are appointed in an acting capacity, September 1, 2025, it has lapsed in 2026. Today is [September] 25, 2026 — overdue na po kayo ng ilang araw. What is the present status, therefore, of your appointment?” Marcos asked.
What is the official status of Dizon's appointment?
Dizon said he has yet to confer with the Office of the President to clarify matters. Citing information from DPWH Chief-of-Staff Undersecretary Ricardo Bernabe III, he explained that his appointment continues until the session of Congress ends and goes into recess, after which he would need to be reappointed.
Dizon took his oath as DPWH chief on September 1, 2025, replacing former secretary Manuel Bonoan, who resigned amid public pressure over the flood control scandal. Dizon was previously serving as Department of Transportation secretary but was reassigned to conduct a “full organizational sweep” within the DPWH, as ordered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
What has Dizon accomplished at the DPWH?
According to Dizon, in the past year, at least 61 DPWH employees found to have ties to anomalies were removed from office, with some facing pending charges. At least 19 contractors have been referred to the Office of the Ombudsman, and 11 contractors have been blacklisted.
Frequently asked questions about Vince Dizon's DPWH appointment
When did Vince Dizon become DPWH secretary?
Dizon took his oath as DPWH chief on September 1, 2025, replacing Manuel Bonoan.
How long can an acting appointment last under the Administrative Code?
Senator Imee Marcos cited the Administrative Code, which limits acting appointments to one year, meaning Dizon's tenure lapsed on September 1, 2026.
Did Dizon respond to Senator Marcos' inquiry?
Dizon said he had not replied within seven days and that he needed to confer with the Office of the President on the status of his appointment.
What did Dizon say about leaving the post?
Dizon said he would be “more than happy” to accept a decision that his tenure has ended, describing the job as extremely difficult.
— with reports from GMA News