Lopez vows to continue, boost DPWH reforms

MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Public Works and Highways Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Tuesday vowed to continue and strengthen the reforms in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Lopez made the commitment a day after the latest Cabinet revamp, where he was appointed to lead the DPWH, replacing Secretary Vince Dizon in turn took over Lopez’ post as transportation secretary.

Lopez emphasized that since reforms have already been made inside the DPWH amid the corruption issues it faces, it is important to make them last, regardless of who sits as the president and secretary of the agency.

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READ: Dizon, Lopez swap posts in latest Cabinet revamp

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Lopez pointed out his experience as a former secretary of the DOTr where institutional change is composed of two aspects: systems change and cultural change.

He noted that since Dizon had already prioritized system change during his stint as DPWH secretary, cultural change needs to be upheld across the agency. 

“Itong cultural change na sinasabi ko po ay hindi lang para sa kalihim, ito ay mas importante sa mga tao, kawani ng kagawaran na matagal nang nagtrabaho sa DPWH. Sana magtulungan tayo na manumbalik yung pagtitiwala ng taumbayan sa DPWH at ayun po ang gagawin natin,” Lopez said in a press conference. 

(This cultural change is not just for the secretary, but more importantly, for the personnel and officials that have been working for so long in the DPWH. I hope you will help us in regaining the trust of the people in DPWH, and that is what we will do.)

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Lopez said trust must be regained by improving the agency’s budget, procurement, and project implementation. 

“Ang mga reporma, andyan na po, ang kailangang gawin ngayon ay araw araw na gagawin nating tama ang proseso,” he added. 

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(The reforms are already there, what we need to do is to do the process properly everyday.)

READ: Dizon to Lopez: Your turn to get rid of corrupt DPWH personnel

‘No delay in reforms’

When asked if the Cabinet shakeup will delay DPWH’s implementing reforms, Dizon answered in the negative. 

“Bibilis pa, mas magaling pa si [Secretary Giovanni] kaysa sa akin. He understands systems,” Dizon said in the same press conference. 

(It will be faster, [Secretary Giovanni] is better than me. He understands systems.)

As Dizon expressed his confidence in Lopez’ leadership, he said there is still a lot to be done in the DPWH. 

“I’m not going to tell you right now that this is going to be easy; it’s not going to be easy. It’s a huge department. While the reforms are in place, they are still unfinished,” he added. 

Dizon also turned over to Lopez a thick pile of documents containing names of DPWH officials and personnel who may soon be removed from their posts over their alleged involvement in irregularities.

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Dizon said that the names listed in the documents may exceed the over 80 DPWH employees who were already sacked since he assumed office in September last year.  /gsg