Ethical leadership and the future we deserve
As lead convenor of Democracy Watch Philippines, we express our congratulations and full support to Secretary Vince Dizon on his appointment as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). His tenure at the Department of Transportation showed what leadership looks like when it is focused, innovative, and grounded in public service. He fast-tracked long-delayed rail projects, launched cashless train payments, and initiated the long-overdue rehabilitation of Edsa. His time there was short, but his impact was evident.
We are optimistic that Dizon will imbue the DPWH with the principled leadership and operational excellence essential for transformative reform. Nothing is more urgent for the country today. The consequences of corrupt infrastructure governance, particularly in flood control, have become painfully real for millions of Filipinos. Despite billions in allocations, too many projects remain stalled, poorly executed, or simply nonexistent—a crisis of systemic corruption that must be stopped.
Dizon’s first move as DPWH secretary was to order the courtesy resignations of all officials in the department—from top to bottom—and declared that contractors involved in ghost and defective projects will be blacklisted. These are decisive actions that set a tone of seriousness and zero tolerance for corruption. But beyond words and headlines, what matters is sustained, transparent reform. The public will be watching.
This is why Democracy Watch remains vigilant. We began in 2013, during the Janet Napoles scandal, when billions in the congressional Priority Development Assistance Funds were funneled through fake NGOs—a scam that exposed just how deeply corruption had infected our budget system and how easily the public could be deceived when no one is watching.
Since then, Democracy Watch has pushed for open, participatory governance and transparency in the budgeting process. Just last week, we took part in the inaugural People’s Budget Review convened by the House of Representatives, where 21 civil society organizations were invited for a briefing on the 2026 national budget. This was a direct follow-up to House Resolution No. 94, which calls for people’s organizations to act as official observers in budget deliberations.
Infrastructure is not just about building roads or bridges—it’s about building trust. That’s why ethical leadership is essential. Without it, even the best-designed projects can turn into public disasters. With it, government becomes a force for genuine progress, not personal gain. Ethical leadership fosters accountability, invites scrutiny, and aligns public service with public interest.
Sadly, we have seen too many examples of the opposite. The ongoing outcry over flood control funds misused across administrations is just one of many signs that corruption in infrastructure remains rampant. One province alone reportedly received P51 billion in allocations between 2020 and 2022—raising serious questions about where the money went, what was delivered, and who benefited.
The DPWH sits at the heart of the country’s development agenda. When led with integrity and skill, it can drive inclusive growth and deliver lasting impact—but without accountability, it risks becoming a black hole for taxpayer money and public faith. Dizon’s appointment is a chance to restore purpose, discipline, and credibility to an institution long marred by corruption.
The Filipino public deserves to see a DPWH that works for them—one that prioritizes resilient, sustainable infrastructure over padded contracts and rigged bids. One that doesn’t just build, but builds with purpose, integrity, and efficiency. And one that upholds the principle that the integrity of the process is just as vital as the outcomes it delivers.
We need leaders who are ethical—because credible action against corruption can only come from those who lead with integrity, hold plunderers accountable, and builds strong institutions that are resilient and responsive in times of crisis. It also sends a strong signal to international investors that this is a country governed by principle, not patronage—one that is open, fair, and serious about development.
As Dizon steps into this role, we call on him to be a model of the leadership this moment demands. Push forward with transparency. Clean out the rot. Build systems that will outlive political cycles. The public is ready to support reforms—but they need to see results.
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Dindo Manhit is the founder and CEO of Stratbase Group.
