MANILA—Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency will move to blacklist erring contractors from government projects and study the possibility of perpetually revoking their licenses, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to rid the department of irregularities.

“Apart from yung blacklisting, pati iyong lisensya, pwede din po yan,” Dizon said in a Palace press briefing when asked if perpetual disqualification of contractors’ licenses was part of his first order of business.

Dizon stressed that reforms must go beyond blacklisting, highlighting the need to overhaul processes within the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB).

“Kaya kailangan po talaga natin marepaso at ma-revamp itong PCAB. Kasi iyan po ang body na gumagawa niyan lahat,” he said, adding that he will coordinate with Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque on the matter.

The DPWH chief explained that the department has authority to blacklist and disqualify contractors, while revocation of licenses requires additional measures.

“Mag-uumpisa po tayo sa blacklisting, disqualification, kasi yan po ay pwedeng gawin ng DPWH lang,” Dizon said.

“Pero iyong pagtatanggal ng lisensiya at perpetual– since nasanay na rin naman po ako magtanggal ng mga lisensiya ng mga driver, siguro magtatanggal na rin tayo ng lisensiya ng mga contractor,” he added.

Dizon’s directive follows President Marcos’ announcement of plans to establish an independent commission tasked with investigating and recommending actions on anomalies in public works projects, particularly those involving the DPWH.