Dizon-Lopez swap won’t affect DOTr, DPWH budgets, says Ejercito

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. swapped the heads of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways on Monday, a move officials said will not disrupt the upcoming 2027 national budget process. Under the cabinet reshuffle, Secretary Vince Dizon returns to lead the Department of Transportation, while Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez assumes command of the Department of Public Works and Highways. The announcement was made by Acting Presidential Communications Secretary Lino Cayetano during a press briefing. Cayetano stated that the president aims to place the right individuals in positions where they can deliver the most impact. “We are shifting gears to accelerate reform,” Cayetano quoted the president as saying. “Secretary Dizon goes to DOTr to fix the daily commute. Secretary Lopez goes to DPWH to make sure the reforms there last.” The administration emphasized that the primary goal is to make government services faster and more accessible for citizens. Senator JV Ejercito, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, addressed concerns regarding the timing of the personnel change. With the two-week plenary deliberations on the 2027 budget scheduled to begin on November 23 and continuing through the first week of December, some observers worried the swap might complicate financial planning. Ejercito dismissed such fears, noting that he is personally familiar with both secretaries. Although he acknowledged that mid-budget-season changes are typically problematic, he argued that his prior collaboration with both men ensures a smooth transition. Ejercito specifically noted that he worked with Dizon when the latter previously headed the Department of Transportation. Regarding Lopez, Ejrecito expressed hope that the new DPWH chief will continue the reforms initiated following recent flood control controversies. Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson echoed Ejercito’s assessment, stating that the swap poses no threat to the agencies’ budgets. Lacson pointed out that Dizon is already familiar with the Department of Transportation because he originated from that department. He described Lopez as capable of managing the Department of Public Works and Highways. When asked about the nature of the decision, Lacson characterized it as the exclusive prerogative of the president, questioning why legislators should interfere. Lacson also addressed the status of an ongoing investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman into alleged ghost infrastructure and illegal reclamation projects in Taguig City. The Department of Public Works and Highways had previously assisted Lacson in investigating these matters. Lacson stated that the case is currently with the Ombudsman, which has completed its fact-finding phase and is moving toward a preliminary investigation. He indicated that the evidence gathered is nearly complete, implying that the leadership change at the Department of Public Works and Highways will not impede the legal proceedings. Vince Dizon had led the Department of Public Works and Highways since early 2025, taking over from his predecessor. During his tenure, Cayetano reported that Dizon opened thousands of projects to public scrutiny and pushed for the completion of long-delayed works. These actions were part of a broader effort to disrupt a system perceived to protect waste and corruption. Upon returning to the Department of Transportation, Dizon carries a mandate to ease daily commutes, reduce queues at the Land Transportation Office, and eliminate the influence of fixers. The president also directed Dizon to prioritize the completion of critical mass transport projects. Giovanni Lopez, a certified public accountant and lawyer, replaces Dizon at the Department of Public Works and Highways. His task is to institutionalize the anti-corruption reforms by establishing durable rules, processes, and systems. Lopez has served in the Department of Transportation for nearly a decade. His career path includes roles as assistant secretary for procurement and project implementation, director for legal services, undersecretary for finance, and chief of staff within the Department of Transportation. He also served as executive director of the Toll Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office. From February to August 2025, he held the position of senior undersecretary for administration, finance, and procurement. Marcos appointed him as Department of Transportation secretary in September 2025 after Dizon left that post. Lopez hails from Tuguegarao in Cagayan province. He graduated from the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao in 1996. He later earned an accountancy degree cum laude from St. Paul University Philippines and studied law at San Beda University. The transition follows a period of scrutiny regarding Dizon’s initial appointment to the Department of Public Works and Highways. In September, Senator Imee Marcos questioned the validity of Dizon’s appointment, noting that it had not yet received confirmation from the Commission on Appointments. Dizon had previously expressed a desire to vacate his post at the Department of Public Works and Highways. Cayetano expressed confidence that the transition would be seamless despite the active budget cycle. He noted that both secretaries are working closely together and are ready to proceed immediately. When asked if other candidates were considered for the roles, Cayetano said he did not know, but maintained that the president selected the two individuals based on their ability to perform specific tasks. He described Dizon as a known disruptor and reformer, while characterizing Lopez as a systems builder suited to sustain the changes already underway. The administration views both as high-performing cabinet members fit for the respective challenges facing their departments.