'Mainit sa mata': DPWH exempts personnel from wearing uniform due to harassments over flood control mess
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- DPWH temporarily exempts officials and employees from wearing prescribed office uniforms.
- Suspension aims to protect personnel from harassment amid flood control project investigation.
- Advisory reminds staff to report in appropriate and presentable attire, following Civil Service dress code.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon (Photo: DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has temporarily excused all officials and employees from wearing their prescribed office uniforms following reports that personnel were being harassed in public.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the suspension, requested by the workers’ union, is meant to protect ordinary employees from bullying linked to the ongoing corruption probe on flood control projects.
“Ang pinakamasakit na tinatamaan dito sa lahat ng nangyayaring ito, dahil sa ilang mga masasamang tao dito sa DPWH, ay yung mabubuting tao dito sa DPWH na mas nakararami (The hardest hit in all of this, because of some bad elements in the DPWH, are the good people here at DPWH, who are the majority),” Dizon said.
He added that some employees were reportedly harassed while riding MRT trains, jeepneys, and buses.
In a memorandum dated Sept. 9, Dizon directed that officials and employees “are excused from wearing the prescribed office uniform until further notice,” citing “current events” as the reason.
Despite the temporary uniform exemption, the DPWH advisory reminded all personnel to report for duty in appropriate and presentable attire.
The measure follows Civil Service Commission Circular No. 16, s. 2024 (Revised Dress Code for Government Officials and Employees) and highlights the importance of upholding professionalism in public service.