Acting PCAB, CIAP Heads Named

Taking the first step toward her promised cleanup of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), Trade Secretary Cristina Roque has appointed the acting heads of the two agencies currently embroiled in the controversy over substandard and nonexistent multi-billion peso flood control projects.

- By Louella Desiderio and Neil Servallos

In a statement yesterday, Roque named Doris Gacho and Sergie Retome as acting executive directors of the CIAP and PCAB, respectively. “These designations are part of the ongoing efforts to clean up and revamp both agencies,” the DTI chief said.

Earlier, Roque announced the resignation of Herbert Matienzo as acting executive director of CIAP and PCAB, for personal reasons.

She said PCAB board members Erni Baggao and Arthur Escalante also stepped down from their posts.

Gacho and Retome will temporarily manage CIAP and PCAB, respectively, until permanent replacements are appointed in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules and procedures, Roque said.

Gacho is executive director of CIAP implementing boards such as the Philippine Overseas Construction Board and the Philippine Domestic Construction Board. Retome is division chief of the Technical and Financial Evaluation Division at PCAB. “This will ensure continuity of operations during the revamp,” Roque said.

To restore integrity and transparency, Roque has placed both the CIAP and PCAB under her direct supervision.

She is also in the process of recommending new members for the PCAB Board. President Marcos will select the new board members.