President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to have confidence in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon despite the possibility that he could be called by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in its ongoing investigation into issues surrounding the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President’s trust in Dizon remains intact unless legitimate evidence links any Cabinet official to corruption or other violations of the law.
Castro made the statement after being asked whether the President would continue to support Dizon if his testimony becomes necessary in the NBI’s investigation into the 2019 SEA Games.
According to Castro, President Marcos maintains confidence in all members of his Cabinet as long as there is no credible evidence establishing their involvement in any irregularity.
Dizon previously served as president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the agency responsible for overseeing the construction of sports facilities in New Clark City that were used during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The Palace earlier said Dizon had already been investigated in connection with the issue and was cleared of wrongdoing.
The Office of the Ombudsman also confirmed that the complaint filed against Dizon had been dismissed in 2021 due to insufficient evidence.
However, authorities have ordered a review of the dismissed complaint this year while the NBI conducts a separate investigation into matters related to the 2019 SEA Games.
The Palace reiterated that any investigation involving government officials should be based on legitimate evidence and due process, emphasizing that accountability must rely on established facts rather than allegations alone.
The NBI’s investigation into the 2019 SEA Games remains ongoing.
