Benitez hails Dizon’s DPWH appointment as long overdue

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez called the appointment of Vince Dizon as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) both a welcome and necessary development.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office to Dizon on Monday at Malacañang.

Marcos also swore in Department of Transportation (DOTr) acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez during the same ceremony.

In a statement issued Monday, Benitez said he had previously urged former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to take a leave of absence following reports of anomalous and “ghost” flood control projects.

“I was one of those who demanded his resignation,” Benitez said.

“His stepping down now is long overdue — it is something that should have happened a long time ago.”

Benitez said Dizon’s appointment gives the president a chance to implement meaningful reforms and clean house within the DPWH.

“When we repeatedly called for Secretary Bonoan’s resignation, it was precisely to pave the way for new leadership — leadership equipped with the competence and credibility to immediately address the deep-seated, systemic issues besetting the agency, foremost among them corruption,” he said.

He added that “Secretary Dizon, coming from outside the entrenched structures of the DPWH, is uniquely positioned to confront these challenges with fresh perspective.”

Benitez also said Dizon’s proven track record in resolving critical issues at the DOTr inspires confidence in his ability to restore integrity, transparency, and efficiency to one of the government’s most vital agencies.