President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confirmed accepting the resignation of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, while ruling out for now the possible transfer of Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon back to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Marcos said Sunday in Singapore that Malacañang had held off announcing Aguda’s departure until a replacement could be named, but the Office of the Ombudsman disclosed the development ahead of the Palace.
“We were holding it back until we were able to announce also his replacement. But the Ombudsman already spilled the beans before we were able to,” Marcos said during a press conference.
The President linked the timing of the disclosure to the Ombudsman’s investigation into alleged ghost connectivity projects, saying the Palace and the investigative body had received information through different channels.
“So the timing was not coordinated,” he said.
Marcos did not identify Aguda’s replacement in his remarks, leaving the leadership transition at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) pending formal announcement.
On speculation that Dizon could return to the DOTr, Marcos said no transfer was planned for now, although he left open the possibility of future changes.
“As we sit here together today, no, he’s not moving,” the President said.
Marcos also faced questions about Transportation Secretary Dave Gomez and reports that PTV-4 general manager Lino Cayetano could take over the transport portfolio.
His remarks suggested that Cabinet changes were being discussed, but he stopped short of confirming a final appointment or detailing the scope of the reported reshuffle.
Asked when the changes would take effect, Marcos said the administration would formalize the arrangements after his overseas trip.
“It’s really just a question of formalizing everything,” he said.
The developments point to continuing Cabinet adjustments as the government addresses scrutiny over public projects and considers leadership changes in key agencies. However, the timing and final composition of the reshuffle remain subject to formal announcements from Malacañang.
