Photo credit: DPWH

To protect employees from potential bullying and harassment, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has temporarily suspended the mandatory wearing of official uniforms. The move comes as the department faces an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Secretary Dizon stated that the decision was made to ensure the safety of DPWH staff, many of whom have expressed concerns about being targeted in public while wearing their uniforms. He shared his belief that the majority of the department’s thousands of employees are good and honest people.

"My heart bleeds for them," Dizon said, describing how he was moved to act after the DPWH union told him about employees being harassed in public transportation. He emphasized that these workers don't deserve such treatment, as they are simply doing their jobs.

By temporarily lifting the uniform requirement, Secretary Dizon hopes to provide a measure of security for his staff as the investigation proceeds.