Incoming DPWH chief urged to purge agency of corrupt officials

At the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office in Manila, outgoing secretary Vince Dizon transferred a set of sealed documents listing officials accused of corruption to his successor, Giovanni Lopez, who will lead the agency after a cabinet reshuffle. Dizon emphasized the need to eliminate the identified “rotten apples” quickly, stating that over 80 employees had already been removed during his term amid a flood-control scandal.

He warned that additional dismissals are expected in the coming weeks. Lopez, who is moving from the Department of Transportation to DPWH, affirmed his commitment to sustain the reforms on transparency, accountability, and staff promotion that Dizon started. He stressed that these measures must endure regardless of who occupies the presidency or the DPWH secretary’s seat. The exchange was marked by Dizon handing over brown envelopes marked “secret” instead of the traditional flag.