MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named a new head of the scandal-hit Department of Public Works and Highways, as his administration contends with lingering effects of corruption allegations that have slowed economic growth.
Current Transport Department Secretary Giovanni Lopez (pic) will become the new public works chief, swapping positions with Vince Dizon.
"We are shifting gears to accelerate reform,” Presidential Communications Office Secretary Lino Cayetano told a televised briefing on Monday (Oct 26). He said the changes are in direct response to the needs of the people.
Cayetano said Marcos tasked Lopez to speed up infrastructure projects, while Dizon was ordered to make the daily commute "a little easier” and get rid of fixers in the agency that issues drivers’ licences.
The reshuffle involves two departments that are key to the nation’s infrastructure buildup, and comes amid a slowdown in the economy partly due to tepid state spending.
A massive corruption scandal allegedly involving lawmakers and public works officials triggered widespread public outrage last year and also contributed to sluggish growth. - Bloomberg
