Biz groups: ‘New chapter’ for DPWH under Dizon
Industry groups lauded the appointment of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon as the new head of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), saying it marks a new chapter for the government agency beleaguered by controversies over flood control and other infrastructure projects.
Although surprised by the resignation of Manuel Bonoan, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said Dizon’s solid track record will bring the much-needed change at the agency.
“His leadership could signal a fresh chapter for DPWH—one anchored on accountability, efficiency, and continuity of infrastructure development,” the PCCI said in a statement on Monday.
The group said Dizon exhibited his “strong capacity” for driving large-scale and complex infrastructure projects from conception to completion during his stint as president and CEO of the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
The new DPWH secretary also showed his capability “to deliver excellent service and restore public confidence” when he led the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for seven months, it added.
“We are optimistic he will bring the same energy at the DPWH, as well as his strong inclination toward transparency and public-private partnership that marked his leadership at the BCDA,” it said.
Tasks ahead
In a separate statement, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said this is precisely the kind of governance that the DPWH needs to restore integrity and accountability.
“His tenure at DOTr was marked by accelerated infrastructure delivery, modernization of commuter systems through cashless integration, and swift enforcement of safety reforms—demonstrating a results-driven leadership style that prioritizes action over rhetoric,” FPI chair Elizabeth Lee said.
Lee expressed the FPI’s readiness to collaborate with Dizon to advance resilient and inclusive higher technical standards, transparent procurement systems, and a public infrastructure program built on trust.
To ensure the integrity of government projects, Lee said the agency should include independent monitoring, digital traceability and full public disclosure of project specifications and supplier compliance.
FPI also urged contractors and project implementers to prioritize sourcing domestic products to support the local industry, ensure the quality and maximize economic impact.
It also affirmed that locally made and sourced inputs such as steel and cement, among other critical materials, comply with Philippine National Standards.
“Substandard materials don’t just crack infrastructure—they fracture the supply chain,” Lee noted. “They weaken structural integrity, undercut compliant producers, and open the door to procurement corruption.”
“Smuggled or poorly regulated inputs distort the market, reward bad actors, and leave communities exposed to risk,” she added.
Lawmakers earlier welcomed Dizon’s appointment, with Senate President Francis Escudero pointing out that his “hands-on approach and the fresh perspective he brings will serve him well” in confronting the deeply entrenched problems that have long plagued the DPWH.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also noted that Dizon was a “very good choice [because] he’s an action man and a man of integrity.”
“I’m very confident that he will get the job done without corruption,” the senator said.
But the first order of business, according to Gatchalian, is to put corrupt officials and contractors in jail to bring back the confidence of the people on the DPWH.
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