PCAB Executive Director Resigns for Personal Reasons
MANILA — The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) Executive Director, lawyer Herbert Matienzo, has stepped down from his post citing personal reasons, officials reported on Thursday. Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque confirmed that Matienzo submitted his resignation on September 3, which she promptly accepted the same day.
“Yes, Atty. Matienzo has resigned on Sept. 3 and I have accepted (his) resignation on Sept. 3 and yes, (I) have appointed an OIC ED [Officer-in-charge Executive Director], and his reason for resigning is ‘personal,’” Roque stated in a message to local sources. She also assured that the name of the appointed Officer-in-charge Executive Director will be announced within the day.
Understanding PCAB’s Role and Recent Changes
The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board is a vital implementing body under the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, which itself operates under the Department of Trade and Industry. PCAB is responsible for issuing licenses to construction firms that bid on government infrastructure projects.
Recently, the agency has been under intense scrutiny. At a Palace briefing earlier this week, newly appointed Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a “sweeping revamp” of PCAB to improve transparency and efficiency within the agency.
License Revocations Linked to Controversial Projects
On the same day as the briefing, PCAB executed Board Resolution No. 075, which revoked the licenses of nine construction companies associated with businesswoman and former Pasig City mayoral candidate Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya. These companies are allegedly linked to questionable flood-control projects that have drawn public ire.
The revoked contractors include:
- St. Gerrard Construction Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation
- Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation
- St. Timothy Construction Corporation
- Amethyst Horizon Builders And General Contractor & Development Corp.
- St. Matthew General Contractor & Development Corporation
- Great Pacific Builders And General Contractor, Inc.
- YPR General Contractor And Construction Supply, Inc.
- Waymaker OPC
- Elite General Contractor And Development Corp.
PCAB’s resolution highlighted that Discaya’s companies were involved in collusive practices aimed at manipulating procurement outcomes, violating licensing and procurement laws. These findings were presented during the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on September 1, intensifying calls for accountability.
Looking Ahead: PCAB’s Future Under New Leadership
With the resignation of PCAB’s Executive Director and the government’s directive for a comprehensive overhaul, the board stands at a critical juncture. Community members and industry watchers anticipate that the forthcoming leadership changes and reforms will restore integrity and public trust in the agency responsible for overseeing construction contractors nationwide.
Trade Secretary Roque’s swift acceptance of Matienzo’s resignation and the appointment of an Officer-in-charge signal the administration’s commitment to prompt action amid these challenges.
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