What it's like running the Philippines' most corrupt government agency with Vince Dizon

Description

One of the things I love most about the work I do is being able to speak to individuals with influence and power, ask them questions, and push for accountability for citizens. On this episode, we sit down with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) head Vince Dizon, who has been tasked to lead what has been coined the Philippines' most corrupt government agency.My assignment today is to understand the work he is doing to try and reform a deeply corrupt system, challenge his thoughts on the president he serves, and get to the root of what drives him.The DPWH in the Philippines serves as the government's construction arm, tasked with building infrastructure projects across the entire country. But it is now at the heart of the nation's largest corruption scandal in history, as investigations reveal that lawmakers, government engineers and contractors colluded to pocket billions of dollars of taxpayers' money meant for flood control structures. As a result, millions of Filipinos are left to suffer and made even more vulnerable to flooding and the climate crisis, while public officials enriched themselves and their families.In this honest and enlightening conversation, Dizon – who was appointed in September 2025 – talks about his trust in Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr, how this new job has personally affected him, and in a light moment, shares his thoughts on being named one of the most Googled male personalities in the Philippines in 2025.Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or via your favorite podcast app: https://onassignmentwithme.transistor.fmFollow @natashya_g on YouTube for video episodes, and on Instagram, Tiktok, X and Facebook for updates.Support independent journalism and this podcast: buymeacoffee.com/natashya_gTo know more about my work, go to natashyagutierrez.com#vincedizon #dpwh #philippines #floodcontrol #corruption