DTI overhauls PCAB, CIAP amid 'accreditation for sale' issues

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque announced a major overhaul of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) and the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) following accusations of an "accreditation for sale" scheme.

New PCAB board members and executive directors will be prohibited from owning contracting businesses to avoid conflicts of interest.

The controversy triggered the resignation of PCAB executive director Herbert Matienzo and board members Arthur Escalante and Ernie Baggao.

Sergie Retome has taken over Matienzo's position as acting executive director.

The licensing process for contractors will be significantly modified and strengthened with comprehensive background checks.

Relatives of board members found to be involved in anomalies may also be excluded from receiving licenses.

Secretary Roque emphasized that political affiliations will not influence the selection process for appointments.

The DTI is ready to share all available information and records of PCAB with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to aid in their probe.

The ICI has recommended an investigation on some contractors, but their identities were not divulged.