Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan has resigned from his post amid controversy over alleged irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Malacañang confirmed on Sunday.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted Bonoan’s resignation effective September 1, 2025, and immediately appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon as his replacement.
“The President has directed Secretary Dizon to conduct a thorough sweep of the department to ensure accountability and proper use of public funds,” the Palace said in a statement.
Bonoan’s exit follows mounting allegations of anomalies in flood control projects, including ghost contracts, license-renting schemes, and monopolistic practices by favored contractors. These issues have triggered public outrage, with lawmakers and watchdog groups calling for a full audit of DPWH programs.
To address the controversy, the administration also formed an Independent Commission to Investigate Flood Control Anomalies. The body will review ongoing and completed projects, identify irregularities, and recommend accountability measures.
Dizon, who assumed the DOTr portfolio in February, will now lead DPWH, one of the largest and most politically influential agencies in government. He has been tasked with restoring credibility to the department while keeping flagship infrastructure projects on track.
In the meantime, Atty. Giovanni Lopez, Undersecretary for Administration, Finance, and Procurement, will serve as acting Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
Several senators, including Sherwin Gatchalian and JV Ejercito, welcomed the leadership change but stressed that reforms must go beyond reshuffling officials. “What the public wants to see are concrete actions—prosecutions, transparency, and the assurance that funds go where they should,” Senator Gatchalian said.
DPWH manages trillions of pesos in infrastructure funding, including the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” program. Analysts note that any disruption in leadership could delay projects, particularly flood control initiatives critical to disaster preparedness.
The resignation marks the first Cabinet-level exit under the Marcos administration linked to allegations of corruption. Observers say it underscores the government’s effort to signal accountability amid growing public concern over the misuse of infrastructure funds.
