President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended the interim tenures of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Acting Secretary Vince Dizon and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed the decision on Wednesday, Sept. 30, following the Senate budget hearing for the Office of the President. While their acting capacities have been extended for now, Recto clarified that the administration still intends to formally submit their nominations to the Commission on Appointments (CA).
“We’ve extended the appointments of Secretary Dizon and Secretary Banoy. At the appropriate time, the President will submit for confirmation,” Recto told reporters. “Decision ng Pangulo yan… Darating din tayo diyan, but for now the President extended the appointments.”
The announcement comes after Senator Imee Marcos raised concerns during a recent Senate budget briefing regarding Dizon’s status at the DPWH. Citing provisions under the 1987 Administrative Code, the senator pointed out that officials designated in an acting capacity are subject to a one-year limit.
Addressing questions regarding confirmation delays, Recto indicated that his own appointment as Executive Secretary would similarly undergo the CA process.
“Yes, sigurado dadaan tayo diyan, pretty soon. My understanding is that at least I have a year so I was appointed Secretary or Executive Secretary on November 18th I think that’s a non-issue at this point in time,” Recto added.
Malacañang maintains that the temporary extensions ensure continuity in the management of key public works and transportation infrastructure projects while formal review schedules are finalized.