The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has implemented a significant reform within the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) by barring its new board members from simultaneously working as contractors.

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque confirmed the development on Wednesday, October 22, upon her arrival at the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) office in Taguig City. Secretary Roque was present to serve as a resource person for the ICI’s ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

PCAB Reforms Address Conflict of Interest

Secretary Roque explained that the reform was a direct result of efforts initiated following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and came after the discovery that some PCAB members previously held contractor licenses.

“We’ve done that already when President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] told us to do the reforms on PCAB,” Roque stated. She clarified the change:

“Yes…yung mga bagong PCAB board members cannot be contractors anymore. In the past, allowed na contractors sila. But that was in the past law. But now, hindi na pwede kasi it’s a conflict of interest.”

The PCAB, which falls under the DTI, is the agency responsible for issuing licenses to construction companies that wish to participate in the bidding process for infrastructure projects. The previous arrangement, where board members could also be contractors, raised ethical concerns and potential for undue influence in the accreditation process.

The ICI is set to consult with Secretary Roque on the systems and processes involved in contractor accreditation, according to ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Hosaka, as the independent commission continues its work on infrastructure anomalies.