Former SMC Tollways exec is the new DPWH head 

As Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally assumes the role of president of the republic, his appointee Manuel M. Bonoan becomes the new head of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).  

The new DPWH Secretary, Manuel M. Bonoan (left), and outgoing secretary Roger Mercado (right)

Prior to his new role, Bonoan was president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of San Miguel Corporation Tollways. He was also the assistant secretary of the DPWH during the Ramos administration, and an undersecretary during the Estrada and Arroyo administrations. He also served as the acting DPWH secretary under former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from February 2007 to July 2007.  

Bonoan is also a professional civil engineer, who has extensive experience working with SMC Tollways. Of note, SMC Tollways manages the Skyway, the NAIA Expressway, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) tollways. 

Prior to his stint at SMC, he also served as the President of Skyway O&M Corporation, which operates Skyway as well as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway.  

The new DPWH secretary in a meeting with the agency's executives

Bonoan succeeds the current DPWH acting secretary Roger Mercado. During the turn-over ceremony, the latter was seen handing over the DPWH flag to Bonoan. This mirrors Bonoan’s pledge to continue the Build Build Build program, which were spearheaded by both Mercado and former DPWH Secretary Mark Villar. 

After the ceremony, Secretary Bonoan immediately met with the agency’s executives.  

With Bonoan at the DPWH’s helm, it is now understood that it falls upon him to oversee the continuation of the numerous infrastructure projects that were started by the previous administration.  That said, we are keen on seeing as to how Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan leads the DPWH, and how he will do in his first 100 days as the agency’s new head. 

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