Marcos: Bonoan resigned under 'command responsibility'
At A Glance
- Marcos said Bonoan himself offered to leave, acknowledging that controversies emerged under his watch.
President Marcos said he accepted the resignation of former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan after the latter took “command responsibility” for alleged irregularities in flood control projects that happened during his tenure.
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Speaking to reporters in Pasay City on Monday, Sept. 1, Marcos said Bonoan himself offered to leave, acknowledging that controversies emerged under his watch.
“It was Secretary Bonoan who said that, basically, he took responsibility because all of these things happened, all of these problems happened under his watch,” he said.
“So under the principle of command responsibility, he felt that he should leave his post,” he added.
Bonoan’s resignation took effect the same day, as the President swore in Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon as his replacement at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday morning.
Marcos likewise defended his choice of Dizon, praising his track record at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), where he pushed transport modernization and commuter safety initiatives.
“Why Vince Dizon? Because he has done a very good job [at the] DOTr, and I think he has already set the stage for all of the things that we need to do. So pwede niya nang iwanan and go to Public Works (So he could leave the DOTr and go to DPWH),” he explained.
“He’s also familiar with the workings of the Department of Public Works and Highways,” he added.
Along with Dizon, DOTr Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez also took his oath of office as DOTr acting secretary to ensure continuity at the agency.
In a statement on Sunday, Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said President Marcos expects Dizon to lead a full “organizational sweep” at DPWH to address long-standing corruption and restore public trust in the department.
The President also tasked Dizon to ensure that public funds “are used solely for infrastructure that truly protects and benefits the Filipino people.”
Gomez also confirmed that the Palace has set up an Independent Commission to Investigate Flood Control Anomalies. The body is mandated to review projects, identify irregularities, and recommend accountability measures.
“These decisions reflect the administration’s firm resolve to clean up corruption, strengthen institutions, and deliver honest and effective public service under Bagong Pilipinas,” Gomez said.