Is Vince Dizon still in — or out — as DPWH chief?

DPWH CHIEF. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon leads the agency's flag-raising ceremony on October 20, 2025.

James Patrick Cruz/Rappler

'Ovedue na po kayo ng ilang araw,' Senator Imee Marcos tells DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon

It’s been more than a year since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tapped Vince Dizon to lead and clean up the corruption-tainted Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

But during the agency’s budget hearing at the Senate on Friday, September 25, Senator Imee Marcos raised a rather basic question: Is Dizon still legally in charge of DPWH?

Citing the Administrative Code of 1987, Marcos pointed out that a temporary designation in an acting capacity should not exceed one year. The safeguard is meant to prevent acting appointments from being used to circumvent the Commission on Appointments.

Dizon was appointed acting DPWH secretary on September 1, 2025, after his brief stint as transportation secretary.

On September 2, Marcos also sent a letter asking about the status of Dizon’s appointment. Dizon, apologetic, said he had yet to see the letter.

“Baka may appointment na kayo,” Marcos asked. (Maybe you already have an appointment.)

Dizon said his appointment as secretary continues until Congress adjourns and goes into recess. After that, he said, he would need to be reappointed.

Marcos, however, pointed back to the Administrative Code.

“Overdue na po kayo ng ilang araw,” (You’re already overdue for a few days) she told Dizon. “What’s the present status of your appointment?”

Dizon’s answer? He wasn’t exactly the person who could give it.

“Madam Senator, unfortunately, I’m not the appointing authority. I will confirm with the Office of the President and ask,” he said.

And who is the appointing authority? Marcos Jr., the senator’s estranged younger brother.

Senator Marcos then pressed Dizon on the legal basis for continuing to head the DPWH.

“If your appointment has lapsed, what’s the legal basis of appearing here?” she asked Dizon, whom she referred to as a friend.

Dizon’s explanation for why he was sitting there at the DPWH budget hearing?

“I’m here because I guess I’m not yet fired,” he said, while holding the back of his neck.

Marcos then asked if Dizon had been reappointed without anyone knowing. Marcos then cited information they had received that Dizon had been “appointed or reappointed” on July 27.

Dizon said he was not aware of any reappointment. According to his chief of staff, however, he could still perform his duties at the DPWH.

And despite the awkward questions over whether he still had the authority to lead the agency, Dizon appeared remarkably unfazed.

In fact, he seemed almost relieved by the possibility that his stint at the DPWH was over.

“Ma’am, this is music to my ears kasi medyo ayoko na rin pong nandito ako. Gusto ko pong wala na ako dito. Okay na po ito. Masaya pa po ako,” Dizon said. (Ma’am, this is music to my ears because, to be honest, I’m also getting tired of being here. I want to no longer be here. This is fine with me. I’d even be happy.)

“To be quite frank, it will be welcome kung totoo po ’yung sinasabi ninyo na hindi na ako secretary ng DPWH. I’ll be more than happy to accept that kasi napakahirap po ng trabahong ito,” he said. (To be quite frank, it would be welcome if what you’re saying is true that I’m no longer the DPWH secretary. I’d be more than happy to accept that because this job is extremely difficult.)