DPWH chief reassigns execs amid flood mess

As it continues to reel from accusations of massive anomalies in flood control projects, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reassigned some of its officials in Bicol, Mimaropa and Calabarzon, particularly in Batangas where a district engineer had been arrested for reportedly attempting to bribe a lawmaker.

- Emmanuel Tupas

President Marcos wants the agency tasked with accrediting contractors to answer allegations that it was colluding with some firms to get back in business and even bag government contracts.

This was according to Sen. Panfilo Lacson, citing information relayed to him by Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto, indicating the President wants to look into their discussions the activities of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB).

"As we speak, I know the President wants to look into this," as shared by Sen. Sotto after their discussions the complaints from contractors that PCAB was "peddling accreditation."

Sotto, in his discussions with the President, also brought up contractors' complaint that PCAB appeared to be offering accreditation "for sale."

In a video message posted yesterday on the DPWH's Facebook page, Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the revamp followed preventive suspensions imposed on some officials as part of the department's crackdown on corruption.