NEWLY appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has announced a sweeping revamp within the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) in response to ongoing investigations and allegations of extortion within the agency.
Dizon made the announcement during a Palace press briefing on Monday, following his oath-taking ceremony before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The move comes after Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson raised concerns about alleged extortion activities within the PCAB, including a contractor who was reportedly threatened with non-renewal of his license unless they paid at least P1 million.
Lacson also stated that another contractor had to pay P7 million for their initial accreditation. Dizon’s order for a revamp aims to address these allegations and ensure the integrity of the PCAB, which is responsible for licensing contractors in the Philippines. Under the law, contractors are required to secure a PCAB license before engaging in the business of contracting.
