MANILA, Philippines — In a move to professionalize the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Secretary Vince Dizon has signed a new department order mandating that all appointments and promotions for officials be based strictly on performance rather than political endorsements.
Announced on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the reform targets regional directors, district engineers, and other key personnel as the agency seeks to distance itself from a massive flood control corruption scandal.
The Three Metrics of Success
The new “performance-based” system will evaluate officials annually based on three specific criteria:
- Infrastructure Upkeep: The timely and high-quality repair and maintenance of roads and bridges.
- Disaster Resilience: Quick response times to damage caused by natural disasters and man-made calamities.
- Project Integrity: The timely and quality completion of new construction projects.
“If there is a broken road, a pothole, or a flood control project that is damaged, it must be repaired and maintained quickly and with quality. If the officials don’t pass this, they will be removed,” Dizon stated, emphasizing that non-performing officials will be replaced immediately.
Corruption Context
The DPWH is currently under intense scrutiny following revelations of a multibillion-peso flood control scheme. Just recently, the Commission on Audit (COA) recommended an Ombudsman investigation into P275 million worth of projects in Bulacan.
- Alleged Irregularities: Auditors reported “ghost” works, unauthorized site relocations, and payments for structures that existed prior to contract awarding.
- Former Officials Implicated: Former officials Henry Alcantara and Brice Ericson Hernandez are at the center of the probe. Alcantara has since become a state witness, while Hernandez remains in detention.
Restoring Public Trust
The shift away from political referrals is seen as a crucial step in restoring the credibility of the DPWH. By establishing clear, measurable deliverables, Secretary Dizon aims to ensure that those leading the nation’s infrastructure development are selected for their technical competence and track record of service, rather than their political connections.
The performance reviews are scheduled to occur annually, with the first round of assessments expected to influence the leadership structure heading into the 2027 fiscal year.