Acting Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon will return to the agency, while Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Giovanni Lopez will take over his post, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Lino Cayetano said during a press briefing.
Cayetano said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the changes based on what would best serve the needs of Filipinos, emphasizing that both officials are expected to focus on their respective agencies’ priorities.
“Anong mas makakabuti sa mga kababayan natin?” Cayetano said, explaining the President’s basis for the reshuffle.
He said the DPWH has undergone institutional and structural changes, reforms, and transparency initiatives following the flood control controversy, including the establishment of a transparency portal and efforts to complete stalled projects and promote younger engineers.
Cayetano described Lopez, a certified public accountant and lawyer, as a “systems builder” whom the President considers suited to sustain the reforms and institutional changes at the DPWH.
Meanwhile, Dizon returns to the DOTr with the President’s full confidence and a directive to make daily commuting easier for Filipinos.
According to Cayetano, Dizon has been instructed to shorten queues at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), eliminate fixers, and accelerate the completion of major public transportation projects.
The administration aims to reduce travel time for workers and students, allowing them to spend more time with their families instead of being stuck on the road.
Cayetano described Dizon and Lopez as two of the administration’s high-performing Cabinet officials, saying both are focused on their work rather than political concerns.
He added that the appointments reflect the President’s assessment of which officials are best suited to deliver results in the two departments.
“The decision ng ating Pangulo ay naka-ankla sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” Cayetano said.
The reshuffle comes as the administration continues to pursue reforms at the DPWH following scrutiny over flood control projects, while seeking improvements in public transportation services and the delivery of infrastructure projects.
