Marcos swaps transport and public works chiefs to speed up government reforms

Floyd Brenz, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 26, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PCO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reassigned two Cabinet officials, bringing Vince Dizon back to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) while transferring Giovanni Lopez to head the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Lino Cayetano announced the changes on Monday, October 26, saying the reshuffle aims to place officials where they can best address the public’s needs and accelerate reforms in both agencies.

“In the President’s own words: ‘We are shifting gears to accelerate reform. Secretary Dizon goes to DOTr to fix the daily commute. Secretary Lopez goes to DPWH to make sure the reforms there last,’” Cayetano said.

Dizon returns to the transportation department with instructions to improve commuters’ daily travel, shorten queues at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and eliminate fixers. He is also expected to help accelerate major public transportation projects.

Lopez, meanwhile, will oversee public infrastructure projects and continue institutional reforms at the DPWH, which has faced scrutiny over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Cayetano cited Lopez’s background as a lawyer and certified public accountant, describing him as a systems builder capable of turning reforms into lasting policies and procedures within the agency.

The reassignment reverses the Cabinet changes made in August 2025, when Dizon moved from the DOTr to the DPWH following the resignation of then-public works secretary Manuel Bonoan amid controversy over flood control projects. Lopez, previously a DOTr undersecretary, subsequently took over as acting transportation secretary.

The Palace said the latest reshuffle was driven by the administration’s priorities rather than political considerations, emphasizing the need to improve public services and sustain institutional changes.

With Dizon returning to transportation and Lopez taking charge of public works, the administration is placing renewed emphasis on easing daily commutes, improving infrastructure delivery and ensuring that reforms within both departments continue.