Trade dep't revamps CIAP, PCAB amid 'accreditation for sale' allegations

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque has appointed new acting officials for the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) as part of a significant revamp.

Doris Gacho is now the acting executive director of CIAP, and engineer Sergie Retome holds the same position at PCAB, serving until permanent appointments are made.

These appointments follow allegations of an "accreditation for sale" scheme at PCAB and an order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a sweeping revamp at the agency.

The revamp follows the resignations of PCAB executive director Herbert Matienzo and board member Erni Baggao, as well as the lapsed term of another board member.

Secretary Roque is in the process of recommending new PCAB Board members to President Marcos Jr.

In light of the major changes, both CIAP and PCAB are now under the direct supervision of the Trade Secretary.

A special Oversight and Fact-Finding Management Team has been formed within the Department of Trade and Industry to investigate licensing issues thoroughly.