Manila: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday sought the help of the agency's employees in weeding out unscrupulous individuals from the department. During his first flag-raising ceremony as head of DPWH, Dizon urged the officials and rank-and-file workers to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to cleanse the department amid issues of corruption hounding it.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon called on the employees to assist him in identifying and removing corrupt elements within the department. He emphasized the importance of this effort in protecting the integrity of the institution and the nation. Dizon expressed his belief that, despite the challenges, there are still many honest and good employees in the agency. He encouraged them to come forward and take part in the mission to restore the department's reputation.

Dizon's appeal comes in the wake of a social media post by President Marcos, who outlined Dizon's mission to eradicate corruption, eliminate ghost projects, and ensure responsible fiscal spending in the DPWH. The urgency of this mission is underscored by ongoing investigations in both the Senate and the House of Representatives into alleged corrupt practices within government flood control projects.

Dizon's predecessor, Manuel Bonoan, resigned as DPWH chief effective September 1, following accusations of anomalies in multibillion-peso flood control projects during his tenure. Dizon, who previously served as the Department of Transportation secretary, now faces the challenge of steering the DPWH towards transparency and accountability.