Corruption-tainted construction industry placed under DTI supervision
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque
MANILA, Philippines — Trade Secretary Cristina Roque has assumed direct supervision of the Construction Industry Association of the Philippines (CIAP) “to restore integrity and transparency” amid allegations of irregularities in contractor accreditation.
In a statement on Wednesday, Roque said CIAP and its implementing boards, including the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), would be placed under her direct supervision.
“Placing them under my direct supervision will ensure that order, transparency and accountability is restored within these agencies,” Roque said.
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“Full transparency and cooperation are mandatory, and those who breach the trust and mandate entrusted to us will be held accountable,” she added.
Cleanup imperative
Roque said earlier the DTI would do a “major cleanup” at the PCAB, as the agency initiated a comprehensive investigation into numerous allegations of conflicts of interest, accreditation irregularities and potential abuses of authority.
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The agency will thoroughly review the conduct of current PCAB members and officials and submit recommendations to President Marcos, including their potential removal from their posts.
PCAB is an attached agency of the DTI and one of CIAP’s implementing boards, tasked with promoting, accelerating and regulating the construction industry’s growth and development. /dda
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