Lacson pushes for PCAB overhaul amid flood control probe

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday called for a “complete overhaul” of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) amid the ongoing investigations into the questionable flood control projects. 

Lacson, who previously revealed in a privilege speech the alleged anomalies in the government’s flood control projects, made the statement following the resignation of PCAB Executive Director Herbert Matienzo.

“A complete overhaul of the PCAB board is in order at this point. The PCAB has been a low-key yet corruption-ridden regulatory body, which, in tandem with the DPWH, has methodically punched us in the gut, providing the first of a one-two punch, thus knocking out our hard-earned tax payments,” the senator said. 

Senator Erwin Tulfo, vice chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said that although Matienzo's resignation was expected, it shouldn't exempt him from potential liability.

“Bagama’t inaasahan na ito, dapat siguruhin na lahat ng mga dokumento na maaaring gamiting ebidensya tungkol sa mga hinihinalang anomalya sa flood control projects ay maitabi at maitago. Hindi rin porke’t nag-resign ay abswelto na! Tuloy ang imbestigasyon sa kanila kahit wala na sila sa puwesto,” Tulfo said. 

(Although this was expected, it must be ensured that all documents that can be used as evidence in the alleged anomalies in flood control projects are kept. It doesn’t mean that just because he resigned, he’s already absolved! The investigation will continue even though he is no longer in the position.) 

He said that Matienzo’s resignation could be an opportunity to encourage other dismissed or resigned officials to speak and become witnesses in the investigations into the ghost or substandard flood control projects. 

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Roque earlier confirmed that Matienzo resigned on September 3 for "personal reasons."

The PCAB is a government agency attached to the DTI and is one of the implementing boards in the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP).

Newly designated Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon had said a sweeping revamp within the PCAB would be conducted amid the investigation into the country's flood control projects. — VBL, GMA Integrated News