Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered a temporary halt to the wearing of office uniforms for all officials and staff, citing harassment suffered by employees amid allegations of corruption in flood-control projects.
In a memorandum dated September 9 and released Thursday, Dizon said the suspension takes effect “until further notice.” While employees no longer need to wear the prescribed uniform, they are still expected to dress appropriately and report for work in presentable attire.
The DPWH is currently under investigation following accusations that some of its officials received kickbacks from infrastructure projects. Dizon said the controversy has unfairly subjected many innocent workers to public scorn.
“The union of DPWH told me, ‘Sir, our people are pitiful. They ride the MRT, the jeepney, the bus — they are in a DPWH uniform. They are being harassed. Our countrymen are harassing them. They don’t deserve that,’” Dizon shared in a recent ANC interview.
He stressed that the majority of the agency’s employees are honest and undeserving of such treatment. “My heart bleeds for them. That’s why I issued an order. Don’t wear uniforms for now. I removed the requirement because I pity them,” the secretary said.
