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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson backs complete overhaul of PCAB amid worsening corruption

Lacson backs complete overhaul of PCAB amid worsening corruption

Published Sep 4, 2025 10:16 am

At A Glance

  • Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said 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.
SENATOR PANFILO M. LACSON
SENATOR PANFILO M. LACSON


Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Thursday, September 4 said he strongly supports a complete overhaul of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), the agency responsible for accrediting contractors, following allegations of corruption in government flood control projects.

Lacson said no less than a complete overhaul of the PCAB is needed at this time, in the wake of its role in the corruption behind substandard and ghost flood control projects.

“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 (DPWH) 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 a statement.

Earlier, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cristina Roque announced that her department will “clean up” the PCAB since it falls under its supervision.

This comes after the reported resignation of PCAB executive director Herbert Matienzo, whom Lacson questioned over “ghost” flood control projects and “accreditation for sale” scheme.

Lacson also cited 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 also ordered an investigation into the alleged accreditation-for-sale activities involving the PCAB.

Roque had 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 Matienzo resigned due to supposed personal reasons.

On his part, Lacson scored the stench of corruption in government agencies, lamenting it has gotten worse due to the collusion of the DPWH and members of Congress.

"NAKAKAPAGOD (It’s tiring):  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.

Related Tags

flood control projects ping lacson Philippine Construction Accreditation Board (PCAB) DTI
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