The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday vowed a “major clean-up” of the agency that licenses contractors, following allegations of corruption.
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said her agency is reviewing the process at the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), which it oversees.
Roque did not elaborate, citing an ongoing hearing.
“We can’t really talk about that because of the hearing,” she told reporters on the sidelines of a loan launch at the Marriott Hotel.
“But in terms of the clean-up, definitely. We can’t allow them to do that—it’s too much,” she said.
Roque’s statement follows accusations by Senator Panfilo Lacson that PCAB extorts money from contractors for licenses.
He said he was told of one contractor who paid P1 million to renew a license, while another reportedly paid P7 million for a first-time accreditation.
Lacson also claimed the board allowed unqualified contractors to purchase accreditation.
A PCAB license is a critical prerequisite for contractors, although the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) requires additional documents before awarding contracts.
“Since there are cases involving issuances from PCAB, we will conduct an investigation and then a major clean-up,” Roque said.
She said the DTI would coordinate with the DPWH to ensure accountability.
 is launching a 'major clean-up' of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) after Senator Panfilo Lacson's accusations of rampant corruption, including extortion for contractor licenses.%%excerpt%%){kind=link}