No less than a complete overhaul of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) is needed at this time, in the wake of its role in the corruption behind substandard and ghost flood control projects.
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed this Thursday following the reported resignation of PCAB executive director Herbert Matienzo, even as he scored the worsening stench of corruption in government.
“A complete overhaul of the PCAB board is in order at this point. The PCAB has been a low-key yet corrupt-ridden regulatory body which, in tandem with the Department of Public Works and Highways has methodically punched us in the gut, providing the first of a one-two punch thus knocking out our hard earned tax payments,” Lacson said.
In Filipino: Lacson: Overhaul ang Kailangan Para sa PCAB sa Gitna ng Masangsang na Amoy ng Korapsyon
Earlier, Lacson had bared several dubious practices at the PCAB, including accreditation for sale, the conflict of interest of at least two of its board members who own construction companies bagging contracts from the government, and alleged extortion victimizing contractors.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week ordered an investigation into the alleged accreditation-for-sale activities involving the PCAB.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque placed the Construction Industry Association of the Philippines (CIAP) and its implementing boards, including the PCAB, under her direct supervision. On Thursday morning, she was quoted in media reports as saying that Malinzo resigned due to supposed personal reasons.
Meanwhile, Lacson scored the stench of corruption in government agencies, which he said has gotten worse due to the collusion of the DPWH and members of Congress.
“NAKAKAPAGOD: When I left the Senate three years ago, the stench of corruption was limited to some graft-ridden agencies known for the malevolent execution of their projects. Now, the stench has penetrated the corridors of the National Expenditure Program through insertions with DPWH and Congress colluding,” he said in a post on X.
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Lacson: Overhaul ang Kailangan Para sa PCAB sa Gitna ng Masangsang na Amoy ng Korapsyon
Wala nang iba kundi ang kumpletong pag-overhaul ang kailangan ngayon sa Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), sa gitna ng pagkakasangkot nito sa katiwalian sa likod ng mga palpak at guniguning flood control projects.
Binigyang-diin ito ni Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson nitong Huwebes matapos ang napaulat na pagbibitiw ni PCAB executive director Herbert Matienzo. Dagdag ni Lacson, “nakakapagod” na ang lumala pang baho ng korapsyon sa gobyerno.
“A complete overhaul of the PCAB board is in order at this point. The PCAB has been a low-key yet corrupt-ridden regulatory body which, in tandem with the Department of Public Works and Highways has methodically punched us in the gut, providing the first of a one-two punch thus knocking out our hard earned tax payments,” ani Lacson.
Nauna nang ibinunyag ni Lacson ang ilang kahina-hinalang gawain sa PCAB, kabilang ang accreditation for sale, conflict of interest ng hindi bababa sa dalawang miyembro ng board na may-ari rin ng mga construction companies na nakakuha ng kontrata mula sa pamahalaan, at umano’y pangingikil sa mga kontratista.
Ipinag-utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. nitong nakaraang linggo ang isang imbestigasyon sa umano’y accreditation-for-sale activities na kinasasangkutan ng PCAB.
Inilagay naman ni Trade Secretary Cristina Roque sa kanyang direktang superbisyon ang Construction Industry Association of the Philippines (CIAP) at ang mga implementing boards nito, kabilang ang PCAB. Nitong Huwebes ng umaga, naiulat na nagbitiw na si Malinzo.
Samantala, binatikos ni Lacson ang masangsang na amoy ng korapsyon sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno, na aniya’y lalo pang lumala dahil sa sabwatan ng DPWH at ilang miyembro ng Kongreso.
“NAKAKAPAGOD: When I left the Senate three years ago, the stench of corruption was limited to some graft-ridden agencies known for the malevolent execution of their projects. Now, the stench has penetrated the corridors of the National Expenditure Program through insertions with DPWH and Congress colluding,” ayon kay Lacson sa isang post sa X.
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Also put them all in jail.