Marcos returns Dizon to DOTr, names Lopez new DPWH chief in Cabinet reshuffle

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 26, 2026

Photo courtesy: Multiple Sources

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reassigned Vince Dizon to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and appointed Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez to lead the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as the administration seeks to speed up reforms in public transportation and infrastructure.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Lino Cayetano announced the changes on Monday, October 26, saying both officials have been given specific priorities aimed at improving government services.

Dizon, who previously headed the DOTr, will return to the agency with instructions to improve the daily commuting experience of Filipinos.

His priorities include reducing long queues at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), eliminating fixers, and accelerating major public transportation projects.

The administration also wants to shorten travel times, particularly for workers and students who spend hours commuting each day.

Lopez, meanwhile, will take over the DPWH with a mandate to sustain reforms introduced under Dizon’s leadership, particularly measures addressing corruption and improving transparency in infrastructure projects.

Cayetano said the President wants ongoing road, bridge, and other public works projects completed more efficiently while ensuring that institutional changes at the department continue.

The reshuffle effectively returns both officials to the roles they held before an earlier Cabinet reorganization in August 2025.

Dizon was transferred from the DOTr to the DPWH on August 31, 2025, following the resignation of then-Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan amid controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Lopez, who was serving as a transportation undersecretary at the time, was subsequently designated acting DOTr secretary.

Their latest reassignment comes as the government continues efforts to address infrastructure-related controversies while responding to persistent transportation problems affecting commuters.

During the Palace briefing, Cayetano relayed Marcos’ directive to both Cabinet officials.

“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,” the President said in a statement conveyed by Cayetano.

The PCO chief explained that Lopez, a lawyer and certified public accountant, is expected to strengthen systems at the DPWH to ensure that transparency and accountability measures remain in place.

He also highlighted efforts initiated during Dizon’s tenure, including making information on infrastructure projects publicly accessible and pushing for the completion of delayed projects.

According to Cayetano, the President’s decision reflects his assessment of where both officials can contribute most effectively to the administration’s priorities.

The changes follow earlier Cabinet adjustments under Marcos.

On October 11, the President had said there were no immediate plans to transfer Dizon back to the DOTr, although he left open the possibility of further changes.

Two weeks later, the administration confirmed the reassignment as part of its efforts to accelerate reforms in both departments.

For Dizon, the immediate focus will be improving transportation services and addressing problems that commuters encounter daily.

Lopez, on the other hand, faces the task of maintaining reforms at the DPWH while overseeing the implementation of public infrastructure projects.

Cayetano said the broader goal is to make government services faster, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of Filipinos.