DTI eyes stricter requirements for contractors

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking at tightening rules on the issuances of contractor licenses amid controversies on the government’s flood control projects.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the DTI is looking at reforms, particularly more stringent requirements in the issuance of contractors’ licenses by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB).

The PCAB is one of the implementing boards of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, an attached agency of the DTI.

“That’s precisely why we have the fact-finding body,” Roque said.

Earlier, a fact-finding team was formed to oversee the probe at the PCAB and recommend reforms to prevent future lapses.

The probe is being conducted amid allegations of conflicts of interest, accreditation irregularities and potential abuses of authority at the PCAB.

Some PCAB officials who were earlier reported to have secured government contracts while serving on the board have resigned from their posts.

Roque said the resigned officials would still be included in the ongoing probe.

“We’re working closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” she said.

She said the DTI is also working with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure formed by President Marcos to investigate corruption in flood control projects in the last 10 years.

For now, she said the PCAB is making sure all the requirements for contractors’ licenses are complied with.

“And it still goes through the Office of the Secretary,”she said.

Under the Contractors’ License Law, no contractor can engage in business without securing a PCAB license.

The PCAB license is also among the requirements for contractors for firms undertaking projects under the DPWH.