Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon issued a memorandum temporarily suspending the prescribed office uniform of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) due to officials and employees allegedly experiencing harassment amid the controversy surrounding flood control projects.
“In light of current events, all officials and employees of the (DPWH) are excused from wearing the prescribed office uniform until further notice,” read the memorandum dated September 9.
“All officials and employees of the DPWH are nevertheless expected to report for duty in appropriate and presentable attire at all times, in accordance with Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 16, s. 2024 (Revised Dress Code for Government Officials and Employees), and in keeping with the standards of professionalism in public service,” it added.
Dizon on Friday explained that he issued the memorandum after the DPWH’s union informed him of the plight of their personnel due to the recent flood control controversies.
“They ride the MRT, the jeep, the bus, wearing the DPWH uniform. They get chastised, they get harassed by our citizens. They don’t deserve that,” Dizon said in Filipino during an ANC Headstart interview.
“These people, by and large, are very honest people. They’re just doing their jobs. They’re working people. My heart bleeds for them,” he added.
